THE FOUNDER of an Exminster-based charity has unveiled a timeline to mark its 40th anniversary.

Mary Nisbett, who founded award-winning Westbank Community Health and Care 40 years ago from her kitchen table, returned to the charity’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster to cut the ribbon on a wall-mounted timeline celebrating the milestone anniversary and Westbank’s achievements over the past four decades.

Mary, who lives in Kenton, founded Westbank League of Friends - now known as Westbank Community Health and Care - in 1986.

She realised there was a need for more support in Exminster, Starcross, and Kenton after attending a public meeting at a local GP surgery, hosted by the primary care team.

She set up the charity from her home to provide services that filled the gaps in health and social care provision.

Westbank’s CEO Sarah Hicks and staff gave Mary a warm welcome when she returned to the Healthy Living Centre in Exminster, which has undergone extensive refurbishment and improvement.

The colourful new timeline stands out vividly against a black wall in a long central corridor.

Cutting a red ribbon to mark the official opening of the commemorative feature, Mary said: ‘I’m delighted to be here to celebrate what Westbank has achieved over the past 40 years in serving this community and many others across the county.

‘I think we can all be very proud, and I look forward to seeing it develop in the future.’

Westbank started with a handful of experienced trustees and 25 volunteers and has grown to offer a broad range of community-led services across Devon, responding to the needs of people in the community and prioritising preventative healthcare.

Mary recalled: ‘I had seen a friend of my mum’s, who was terminally ill with cancer, dying at home with very little support, and I felt strongly that small acts of neighbourly support can make a big difference - having a lift to the doctor’s, someone to collect your prescription, someone to keep you company or give your carer a break.

‘One of the first people we looked after was the village post mistress, who lived alone and was terminally ill.

‘A rota of people helped care for her, and it was such a visible example of what volunteers could achieve. We also worked closely with statutory services. Securing sustainable funding was key to the charity’s success.’

She added: ‘It was a privilege to work with Westbank because I met so many wonderful people, and it became an award-winning ‘beacon charity’, inspiring similar organisations the length and breadth of the country, gaining widespread recognition, including at ministerial level. We banged the drum for local communities, and 40 years on we’re still making a difference to people’s lives.’

Last year, Westbank supported 38,000 people through its wide range of services, with the aim of helping them lead more fulfilled, happier, healthier lives and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Throughout the year, Westbank will be sharing 40 personal stories from service beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, trustees and partner organisations to showcase the difference Westbank has made to them, their families and their communities.

Sarah said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Mary home to Westbank to help us start our celebrations for our 40th-anniversary year and reveal our wonderful new timeline.’