THE NHS Somerset ICB has been shortlisted for the Military and Civilian Health Partnership Award for their work with Ark at Egwood.

Ark is an NHS Somerset funded Armed Forces hub that works alongside Woman’s Refuge and various other local charities and receives NHS referrals for people in need of support.

Due to Ark at Egwood's work with the NHS, alongside The Arc at Taunton, the Somerset NHS has been successfully shortlisted at the Health Service Journal Awards 2024.

Nigel Bell, director of business development/CEO, said: “ARK is very honoured to be chosen to be one of the two Armed Forces Hubs, supporting NHS Somerset in meeting the needs of the Armed Forces Community and in showing how great things can be achieved when the NHS and Voluntary Sector collaborate.”

Ark at Egwood is an inter-generational land-based day service for people of all ages, needs and abilities. Based on 12 acres of land and woodland, ARK seeks to create a safe space for people to relax, engage and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Nigel said: “Ark at Egwood exists to improve people’s physical and mental health, get them connected, get their confidence back, get them back to being active members of the community again.”

Back in July 2020, Nigel Bell and his wife bought the Ark at Egwood property, located just outside Merriot, near Crewkerne, to set up their therapeutic outdoor wellness centre.

In the early days they started off with no staff or volunteers and now, four years down the line, they have 40 staff members and, due to their numerous workshops and sessions, it is not uncommon to have 80-100 people on site every day.

The whole experience aims to be safe and soothing, with therapy animals dotted along the wheelchair accessible pathways as you enter - allowing for anyone anxious to take their time and acclimatise with the animals first before interacting with people.

The Ark team grow their own produce, vegetables and flowers and offer a number of activities and workshops, including: mental health courses, rural based arts and crafts sessions, cooking, hedge laying, and music lessons (in their music room that has hosted the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra).

Nigel said: “Ark gives people the opportunity to make friends, give back to their community and do things they never thought they would be able do. Ark is for everyone.

“Everybody finds their place here and we just try and support anybody with any need, just to really get them back to that place where they want to be in their own time.

“Changing lives within our community is our mantra and I truly believe that we do change lives.”

Lee Chard, a volunteer at Ark at Egwood said: “I’d be dead if Ark didn’t exist.”

Paul Spicer, another volunteer said: “It is nice to be outside, every time you come there’s something different to do.”

Jaki Smith said: “It’s like magic, it’s got this magical feeling. We all feel supported, and everyone is so understanding. We all just see each other.

“It’s like having a hug as soon as you walk in.”

Caroline Payne added: “It’s been transformative for me. I’ve struggled with mental health issues for a long time, and this is the best place I’ve ever been to and the best I’ve ever felt. It’s done more for me than any other therapy.”