Independent impact report marking Westbank’s 40th demonstrates huge savings to the public sector
An independent impact report commissioned by Devon and the South West’s foremost health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, shows the incredible value the charity’s diverse range of services brings to the region. The report shows the award-winning charity delivers impressive value for money across all its services, including its largest, Devon Carers at Westbank - every £1 Westbank spends saves an estimated average of £7.76 from public funds.
The report, carried out by Civil Society Consulting, analyses Westbank’s full range of services, 14 in total. It concluded that last year alone the charity’s work saved the NHS and local statutory services over £22 million through preventative healthcare, community-based groups, and support for Devon’s unpaid carers.
As well as assessing Westbank’s quantitative impact on Devon and the South West, the report also analyses its qualitative impact on residents, that’s to say how much it improves their health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. These results are still being finalised and will be released in the near future.
Earlier this summer, the charity marked its 40th anniversary year by achieving a new milestone - providing a lifeline to more people than ever before. Westbank now supports 40,000 service users on their journey to improved health, wellbeing and community connection through its community-based services, including Devon Carers, Devon Parent Carers, Health Walks, The Community Cookery School, The Community Hub, The Gym and Community Transport.
Westbank’s Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Katie Elliott, says, “As the charity celebrates both its 40th anniversary and reaching over 40,000 unique service users across the region last year, we are delighted to be able to start to quantify the impact we make and continue helping people to live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives for longer.”
