RESIDENTS from Exminster and Starcross will be able to take advantage of a new shuttle service to enjoy a warm space for a cuppa and a chat.

Westbank Community Health and Care in Exminster has opened its doors of its winter Warmwell area.

Now is has launched a trial service providing shuttle transport two days a week.

Warmwell at Westbank is within the charity’s recently revamped Community Hub and is open Monday - Friday from 10am for anyone seeking a welcoming, heated space during the daytime where they can share a cuppa and conversation during the colder months, including over the festive season.

It has been supported by Teignbridge Lottery for Communities towards running the service which costs about £10,000.

Warmwell will be closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day from 10 am to 4 pm. The space is free to use and donations are welcome.

For a trial period, volunteer drivers are providing free transport on Mondays and Fridays for local people who may struggle to get to Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre at Farm House Rise in Exminster.

This won’t be available on Boxing Day, however, the service will resume the following week.

The shuttle runs from The Pavilions in Starcross, outside Westbank’s Community Larder, and from outside Exminster Victory Hall in the centre of the village.

First pick up is at 10 am in Starcross and 10.15 in Exminster. Then at 12.15 in Starcross and 12.30 in Exminster.

Westbank’s branded car can take up to four people and a wheelchair.

Sarah Benthall, Westbank’s Head of Voluntary and Community Services, said: ‘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.

‘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 to.

'Warmwell is much more than a warm space; it’s our way of providing a place of belonging and connection. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible throughout the remainder of winter.’

Katie Elliott, Head of Fundraising and Marketing, says, ‘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.

‘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.

‘We are keenly aware of the ongoing pressures facing people in our community, particularly during the winter months when things can seem particularly bleak.

‘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 layout of Westbank’s Community Hub has been adapted in recent months to increase the comfortable seating area and create an inviting home from home. The Hub also accommodates a long table for arts and crafts activities, and four round cafe-style tables where people can sit and chat.

The Memory Cafe on Friday mornings - a donation-based, drop-in service - is another newly launched initiative within the Community Hub to support people with dementia (no formal diagnosis is necessary).

It provides activities for cognitive support, including handmade ‘fidget boards’ and textiles with zips and buttons that people can occupy their hands with, as well as lots of books to reawaken memories and stimulate conversation.

Warmwell recently welcomed Ellie Palmer, Development Director of Warm Welcome Spaces, and Andrew Button-Stephens from The Barratt Redrow Foundation, one of its UK-wide supporters.

They were on a fact-finding mission to find out more about the project and how it’s evolved in recent years.

Ellie said: ‘In terms of what we’ve seen and discovered here, it’s just an amazing all-round community offer - so many different activities that bring everybody together.

‘The space is so welcoming, the team is so supportive and the guests seem so relaxed, comfortable and engaged. Offering a warm welcome can add real value to a community, and Westbank demonstrates that.’

Andrew added: ‘I’m slightly overwhelmed because what Westbank offers is so impressive.’