The Wedmore & Axbridge Community Health Fund was formed by Mrs Muriel Welch of Wedmore and an inaugural meeting was held on 24th March 1988.

 

The aims of the Fund at that time were to raise money to purchase equipment and services not provided by the NHS for the benefit of patients of the Wedmore and Axbridge Medical Practice. It would also supply equipment for use by the doctors and nurses, including the district nurses, midwives and health visitor. All of the equipment was to remain the equity of the Fund.

 

A committee of Trustees was formed, comprised of patients of the Practice elected annually. The committee met quarterly each year.

 

Over the years, most of the funding has come from personal patient/family donations and bequests in thanks for services received from the practice staff by them or their loved ones or from time-to-time by fund raising. 

 

The Fund became a charity in 2022 (Charity Commission number: 1201248) with the rather broader aim:

‘To advance health and relieve sickness, especially for people in Wedmore, Axbridge and the surrounding areas, through such charitable activities as the board of trustees in its discretion thinks fit.’

 

This change in the Constitution has enabled the Fund to additionally support community groups and individuals.