National Lottery grant awarded to Wells Community Network

Established as the Wells Coronavirus Network in March 2020 by a group of volunteers, WCN ensured support for the city's isolated and vulnerable during the pandemic.

A dedicated team arranged for shopping and prescriptions for the locals, made companionship calls, and offered dog walking services.

They set up a helpline, a website, and social media, and also marshalled vaccination centres.

As the pandemic wave receded, WCN transformed into the Wells Community Network, continuing its existing services and taking on new schemes such as Trishaw rides and a Welcome Hub for refugees at the Portway Annexe.

Stalwart volunteers have supported WCN since its beginning, leading to questions of sustainability.

Yet, the recent grants from the Somerset Community Foundation, and now the National Lottery, have put to rest these concerns.

Funds from the National Lottery Community Fund, which gives out money raised by National Lottery players for beneficial causes, will take the organisation a few steps further.

WCN will use the funds to devise strategies for strengthening the network and making WCN more sustainable.

Apart from paying the helpline administrator for another six months, a role will be created for a Coordinator to ease the pressure on volunteers.

The funding will also help WCN to become a charity, facilitating fundraising and enabling people to Gift Aid their donations.

Thrilled with the support, Philip Welch, chair of WCN stated: "We are thrilled that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to strengthen and expand our work in Wells and the surrounding area and put the organisation on a firmer footing for the future."

He also extended an invitation for others to get involved during this exciting time.