Westbank at 40 supports 40,000 people and celebrates with a new fundraising campaign

Westbank Community Health and Care is marking its 40th anniversary with a milestone achievement - supporting 40,000 Devonians on their journey to improved health, wellbeing and community connection. 

During a celebratory year for the award-winning charity, Westbank is providing a lifeline to more people than ever before through a diverse range of community-based services. These include: Devon Carers, Devon Parent Carers (launched this year), Health Walks, The Community Cookery School, The Community Hub, Community Larders, The Gym, Community Transport and Social Prescribing. 

Westbank has ambitious plans to continue to increase the number of people it supports and is launching a fundraising campaign called 40 for Forty as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The campaign aims to encourage local businesses, individuals and groups to pledge donations or engage in fundraising activities. In terms of business support, Westbank is seeking 40 local organisations willing to pledge £40 a month for a year to enable the charity to continue to grow its services. 

Westbank funds its wide range of services through a combination of commissioned contracts, revenue generation and traditional fundraising. 

Katie Elliott, Westbank’s Head of Marketing and Fundraising, says, “There has never been a better time to support us because, although we are proud to be reaching more people than ever, we currently have a significant funding shortfall.

“We hope that the wider community will wholeheartedly embrace this campaign and that 40 local organisations will sign up to support us with a monthly payment of £40 to help us maintain our existing services and extend our reach further still. There is so much we could do with the money this would raise to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in Devon, including those who are lonely and isolated. In return for their support, we pledge to promote our 40 for Forty sponsors in our associated PR, on social media and on our website.”

One of the charity’s suppliers, Exeter-based design company Nettl, has become the first local company to pledge its support, kindly donating £40/month as a lump sum upfront to get the campaign off to a flying start.

Tom, Nettl’s Studio Manager, says, “We’ve worked with Westbank for a number of years now as one of their trusted suppliers and have seen first-hand the difference they make to the communities they serve.  We are delighted to be able to support their 40 for Forty fundraising campaign in this, their milestone year, by pledging a donation and would encourage other local organisations to do the same. Together, our support can make a real impact.” 

Katie says, “We are so grateful to Nettl for donating to 40 for Forty, and we hope many other supporters will follow suit. There are many ways for individuals and organisations to join in with our milestone celebrations throughout the remainder of 2026. Your organisation could nominate us as your Charity of the Year; sponsor one of our services or activities; allow your team to give back to their community by volunteering with us; donate expertise, products or services to our charity; or carry out your own fundraiser on our behalf. 

“We have also put together fundraising suggestions for individuals to get involved, including taking on a 40-themed challenge, volunteering for 40 hours, donating 40 items to the Community Larder, completing 40 small acts of kindness, donating £4, £40 or an amount that works for you or giving to celebrate a birthday or another milestone occasion. Every pound we receive will enable people of all ages to live more fulfilled, healthier, happier lives and to maintain their independence for longer.”

To find out more about Corporate Opportunities for Partnership Working or 40 for Forty fundraising ideas, visit: www.westbank.org.uk/40-for-forty or www.westbank.org.uk/corporate-csr