Westbank launches a free winter warm space and shuttle for residents this Christmas

Westbank Community Health and Care has opened a free winter warm space for residents in Exminster and Starcross, alongside a trial shuttle service aimed at helping people access the facility during the colder months.

The scheme, known as Warmwell, operates from Westbank’s Community Hub at its Healthy Living Centre on Farm House Rise in Exminster. 

It is open Monday to Friday from 10am, providing a heated indoor space where people can spend time, have a hot drink and, if they wish, talk with others. 

The space will be closed on Christmas Day but will remain open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day from 10am to 4pm.

As part of a trial, Westbank is also offering free transport on Mondays and Fridays for residents who may find it difficult to travel independently. 

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Volunteer drivers collect from The Pavilions in Starcross and from outside Exminster Victory Hall. 

The service can accommodate up to four passengers and a wheelchair, although it will not operate on Boxing Day.

Sarah Benthall, Westbank’s Head of Voluntary and Community Services, said the transport scheme was being tested in response to local needs.

“We are constantly expanding our services to the community and the free transport to Warmwell that we’re currently trialling is part of that commitment,” she said. 

“We’re starting by offering lifts two days a week. We’d love to be able to expand that to a Monday to Friday service, but that depends on the uptake and having enough volunteer drivers.

“There’s about an hour and a half between shuttles, giving people long enough to enjoy a hot drink and a bowl of soup here – and time to chat with others if they wish.” 

“Warmwell is much more than a warm space; it’s our way of providing a place of belonging and connection.”

Katie Elliott, Westbank’s Head of Fundraising and Marketing, said the service was designed to support people through what can be a difficult time of year.

“Whether you just want a warm space to hang out in during the day or are seeking social connection, you’ll find it here at Westbank,” she said. 

“The Christmas period can be a challenging time for those who live alone. We want everyone to know that there’s a very warm welcome for them here.

“As Devon’s foremost health and wellbeing charity, we are keenly aware of the ongoing pressures facing people in our community, particularly during the winter months when things can seem particularly bleak.” 

Adding to this, Kate said that “visitors to Warmwell can help themselves to a warm drink and store cupboard ingredients from the Community Larder.” 

“We also provide advice on how to stay warm at home and leaflets about other relevant organisations who can offer support.”

The Community Hub has recently been reconfigured to provide more comfortable seating, café-style tables and space for activities. 

It is also home to a weekly Memory Café on Friday mornings, offering a drop-in, donation-based service for people living with dementia and their carers.

Westbank has secured funding support this year from the Teignbridge Lottery for Communities to help deliver the Warmwell project, which costs around £10,000 to run over the winter period. 

The charity says fundraising efforts are ongoing to cover remaining costs.