’Without this organisation forming at the beginning of the pandemic, delivering the coronavirus immunisation campaign at its height would not have been possible. The local healthcare community were hugely relieved and excited that the Wells Coronavirus Network, as it was called at the time, transformed into the Wells Community Network. It’s continued work of reaching out to and supporting the most vulnerable in our area and its expanded remit is welcomed by patients and the community at large. Like most areas, the NHS in Wells is struggling and with the high levels of elderly and the increased levels of need that come with aging and living alone, the work of the network is needed now more than ever.

The volunteers that work for the network have achieved fantastic things in such a short space of time and as a local GP  who lives within the community I see first-hand how the organisation impacts positively on the lives of so many elderly and their unpaid carers that they rely on a daily basis. It is difficult to measure the effect of ‘community’ on the wellbeing of those that live within it but our network enriches the lives of so many of the most vulnerable and this has a direct effect on reducing the costs in other parts of the system. This is not always easily measured but it is obvious to those of us that live here.’  

Dr Pearce - Partner GP - Wells City Practice.  2024