We bring communities together
igniting conversations and inspiring real change.
About Us
Well Connected’s story began fifteen years ago with a vision to connect people and places, igniting conversations and inspiring change. Today, we continue to be driven by our passion for bringing people together to deliver positive impact.
As a values based organisation, we are proud of our expertise and understand the needs of people and communities. We translate this knowledge with care and respect to co-create solutions with people at the heart.
We have received accolades nationally and internationally and are recognised as the ‘go to’ and ‘can do’ organisation. We always go the extra mile with a smile and a supportive word!
Community
We listen to people in their communities and together create programmes and projects that are meaningful and relevant.
Learning
We partner with education establishments to create unique learning experiences which reflect the changing needs of the community.
Wellbeing
We share important health and wellbeing messages across our communities to increase awareness and understanding.
Our Timeline
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![Woman and oral health resources.]()
<p>2008<br><br>We were established as a community engagement team at Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth.</p>
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![Child looking in mirror at teeth.]()
<p>2009<br> <br> We began to deliver toothbrushing projects for children's centres across Plymouth, as well as delivering community engagement programmes for Dental students. </p>
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![People at awards ceremony holding an award.]()
<p> 2010<br> <br> We were delighted to be awarded the Vice Chancellors Award for Community Engagement.</p>
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![Oral health resources for children.]()
<p> 2011<br><br> We devised the Teeth on Tour initiative, to inspire early years settings to include oral health in their activities. </p>
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![Children watching a tv screen showing a character brushing their teeth.]()
<p> 2012<br><br> Open Wide and Step Inside was created, a new style and approach to share key oral health messages including an animated film, story book and children's activities. </p>
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![Staff members holding giant smiles to their faces.]()
<p> 2013<br><br> Nominated for ‘Best Team’ award in Dentistry magazine. </p>
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![Group of young adults using oral health resources and games.]()
<p> 2014<br> <br> Dental Ambassadors is created to support adults and young people with learning disabilities, now cited as good practice in ‘Oral Care for People with Learning Disabilities.’ </p>
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![Well Connected logo]()
<p> 2016<br> <br> Well Connected became an independent registered charity.</p>
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![Group of students smiling.]()
<p> 2017<br> <br> We began to partner with the Foundation Dentist Programme to create a framework to deliver an impactful community engagement module. </p>
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![Wendy Smith MBE holding her MBE award.]()
<p> 2018<br> <br> Wendy Smith was awarded an MBE for her contribution to dental education and services to oral health promotion. </p>
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![Someone holding toothrbushes.]()
<p> 2019<br> <br> We secured the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme working with NHS England across Devon. </p>
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![Dean's Award 2020.]()
<p> 2020<br> <br> Presented with The Deans Award from the Faculty of Dental Practitioners and won The Best Charity Initiative by The Probe. </p>
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![Two Individuals talking and laughing.]()
<p> 2021<br> <br> The Making a Difference project was created and broadcast on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Devon, to listen to people's experiences on COVID-19 and the periods of lockdown. </p>
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![Group of students smiling.]()
<p>2022 <br><br> We created Inter Professional Learning opportunities for students across the Faculty of Health. </p>
Infectiously Enthusiastic
Always Authentic
Constantly Creative
Rooted in Respect
Boldly Ambitious
Our People
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Strategic Lead for Community Engagement
Wendy was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in March 2018 for her outstanding contributions to oral health promotion and dental education in the South West.
With a background in teaching, training and health education, Wendy has worked in the education and community sector for more than 25 years. Her role as Community Engagement Lead at Well Connected, draws together this experience with her knowledge and passion for community engagement which has led to the development of a variety of projects and programmes. Her leadership has helped shape innovative partnerships between academic institutions, local organisations, and community groups.
She plays a pivotal role in designing and delivering programmes which impact on both wellbeing initiatives, research, Public and Patient Involvement, undergraduate and post graduate education. She has led a wide range of programmes; from interprofessional learning experiences to award-winning oral health themed community projects.
Wendy is keen to share good practice; she has presented at both national and international conferences and is co-author for several articles; check out the most recent ones here:
Dental student resilience - developing strategies and behaviours | British Dental Journal
Exploring health conditions: learning beyond the textbook
Known for her authentic and empathetic leadership style, Wendy brings humour, compassion, and strategic insight to every project.
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Patron
Nicola was a member of the original Community Engagement Team and we are delighted she has retained strong links and connections to us.
Nicky has an enviable network of connections across Plymouth and the wider South West region, as a skilled and passionate communicator she can relate to people with enthusiasm and commitment.
Nicky told us, “I am hugely proud and thrilled to be the first ever Well Connected patron. It’s an honour to be asked and I look forward to helping to increase the awareness of the important work which the staff and trustees at Well Connected do.”
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Trustee
Simon is a Lecturer & Programme Coordinator for the Digital & Computing Curriculum (High School) at South Devon College.
He lectures in a number of digital disciplines such as computing, digital media, games design & development & eSports. He has worked as a designer & producer of digital content across a range of platforms with a large part of the digital Plymouth community & enjoys the collaborative opportunities that it brings.
Simon enjoys the opportunity to work with the charity to support their work, to ensure that people can access support to build bright futures.
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Trustee
I am a disability rights activist Public speaker &, powerlifter for Great Britain, I bring lived experiences and perspectives as a Muslim woman and wheelchair user to my role as a trustee, helping to ensure the charity’s work is inclusive, accessible, and representative of diverse communities. I wanted to become a trustee because I am passionate about empowering people with disabilities and amplifying underrepresented voices. Through this role, I hope to support strong governance, informed decision-making, and initiatives that create meaningful impact for the communities we serve.
Photo credit: Philip Bennett / Women’s Sport Trust
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Trustee
Jill is Professor of Maternal and Family Health at the University of Plymouth.
She has extensive experience of working in the field of reproductive healthcare, public health and with vulnerable groups as a nurse, midwife and health visitor.
Her programme of research specialises in improving the health of people with medical conditions and their partners before and between pregnancies.