A WELLINGTON health and support charity is closing down, after being unable to find anyone to carry on the work of its retiring chief executive.

WHERE, the charity based at the Northfield Centre in North Street, Wellington, will be shutting down for good next Tuesday, May 31.

WHERE was first registered in 1988 and was set up by a local GP Dr Bernard Newmarch to give the community health information.

Over the years it has developed and diversified under the guidance of its chief executive, Barbara Ford, 73, since 2006. She has been providing services to support adults with disabilities from its base at the Northfield Centre, its main aim being to combat loneliness, reduce isolation and encourage friendships.

It continued to support a number of clients throughout the pandemic with the delivery of meals, telephone support or just a quick doorstep visit.

Barbara is retiring from her position of CEO after 18 years and, with no-one willing to fill the post, WHERE had been in talks with another organisation to take its services forward.

However, the charity said Somerset County Council is unable at this time to lease the building, which has frontage onto North Street to another organisation. Consequently, WHERE has had “no choice but to give notice to the council to terminate its service provision”.

An emotional Barbara says she has thoroughly enjoyed the 18 years that she has been with WHERE.

“I have met some really lovely individuals who have lived extraordinary lines, worked with other bodies and organisations all attempting to help those who need it,” she said.

“We have had so many laughs, a few tears, lots of stress but the rewards have far outweighed the down times and the memories that I take with me are amazing.

“Our organisation has been supported by so many local businesses, funding bodies, really great volunteers without whom charities like ours could not survive and my thanks go to all of them.

“To the many individuals that WHERE has supported, I hope that you enjoyed coming to WHERE and we brought you some sunshine and laughter into your lives.”

“Undoubtedly, the service that WHERE provided will be greatly missed in Wellington.”