EXMINSTER-BASED Westbank Community Health and Care is marking its 40th anniversary with a milestone achievement - supporting 40,000 people.

During the celebratory year, the award-winning charity is providing a lifeline to more people than ever before through a diverse range of community-based services.

But it is experiencing a ‘significant funding shortfall’.

The charity 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.

It 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, said: ‘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 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, including those who are lonely and isolated.’

She added: ‘We have 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.’

To find out more visit: www.westbank.org.uk/40-for-forty or www.westbank.org.uk/corporate-csr