The Exmoor Rural Health Hub (ERHH), founded in 2021 in partnership with the NHS, provides health provision to the rural, farming community living on and around Exmoor.
Beginning life as bi-monthly drop-ins offered from a portacabin in Wheddon Cross, it soon became clear that a purpose-built facility was needed to better serve those they supported.
We spoke to Olivia Winterton, Secretary and Trustee of ERHH, about how our expert advice helped them secure the funding they needed to make this a reality, and what it means to the community.
“I was in touch with Jenny Hannis at Spark Somerset for all manner of advice while establishing and registering ERHH with the Charity Commission,” Olivia begins. “After funding for NHS nurses and mental wellbeing practitioners became ongoing and permanent in 2023, we realised we needed facilities that were fit for purpose.
“We approached Exmoor Farmers Market about building bespoke health rooms adjacent to them. They agreed, and we received planning permission for a building containing three separate consulting rooms, a disabled toilet and a reception area.”
Community fundraising began in early 2025, and although half the required amount was raised through charitable trusts, local grant givers, farming businesses and individuals, more was needed.
“I was made aware of the Rural England Prosperity Fund, a competitive, match-funding grant scheme that supports communities across the rural areas of Somerset,” Olivia continues. “It was soon apparent that as a small, volunteer run, non-income generating charity, the generic grant application form supplied was difficult to both understand and complete.
“I re-contacted Jenny as I had no prior experience of completing such an application. I was losing confidence and could not supply the necessary data to bolster my application.
“I was helped with the grant application specifically by Miranda Millan, and more generally with the data and other aspects of the task by Jenny.” Olivia explains. “Both were equally supportive and encouraging and without them I would probably not have persevered.”
“I was helped with the grant application specifically by Miranda Millan, and more generally with the data and other aspects of the task by Jenny. Both were equally supportive and encouraging and without them I would probably not have persevered.”
Olivia Winterton, ERHH Secretary and Trustee
With our support, Olivia’s bid was successful. ERHH were awarded £55,000 of match funding, and work to develop the new building began in November 2025.
The new facility opened in April 2026, providing visitors with easy, regular access to a band 6 registered district nurse, a mental health nurse and clinical psychologist, and a chiropodist – all of whom have experience and knowledge of the complaints and stresses associated with rural, agricultural life.
The expansion of the hub has been met with excitement and overwhelming support from the local area. Olivia explains: “We feel very encouraged that our ambition to have more than one consulting room will make it easier for clients to get multiple benefits from a single visit.
“Discussions are in progress to invite additional healthcare professionals to hold clinics in the new rooms, including a physiotherapist and an occupational health practitioner.
“A bespoke premises brings its own increased costs and responsibilities… I feel considerably less daunted by this prospect knowing that I can return to Spark Somerset for help to develop a robust fundraising strategy to resource our new facility effectively.”
Want to learn more about ERHH? Visit their website. Looking for support with funding or governance? Find out how our team can support you here.
