Bringing People Together

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!

Our People

  • Strategic Lead for Community Engagement

    I was honoured to be awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in March 2018 for my contributions to oral health promotion and dental education in the South West. It was a truly amazing moment and one that reflects the many brilliant people and communities I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.

    I’ve spent over 25 years working across the education and community sector. In my role as Strategic Lead at Well Connected, I bring together my professional experience with a genuine passion for community engagement. This has enabled me to develop a wide range of meaningful projects and programmes, and to build strong, innovative partnerships between academic institutions, local organisations, and community groups.

    ‍A key part of my role involves designing and delivering programmes that make a real difference; from wellbeing initiatives and research projects, to Public and Patient Involvement, and undergraduate and postgraduate education. I’ve had the pleasure of leading a diverse range of programmes, including interprofessional learning experiences and award‑winning, oral health‑themed community projects.‍ ‍

    I’m always keen to share good practice and learn from others. I have presented at national and international conferences and am a co‑author on several published articles, including recent work on dental student resilience and learning beyond the textbook. Check out the most recent ones here:

    Dental student resilience - developing strategies and behaviours | British Dental Journal

    Exploring health conditions: learning beyond the textbook

    Those who work with me often describe my leadership style as authentic and empathetic. I believe in bringing humour, compassion, and strategic insight to everything I do and in creating spaces where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to make a positive difference.

    ‍ ‍

  • 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.”

  • Trustee

    As Chair of Trustees for Well Connected, I am passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for people to thrive. Professionally, I am the Head of Faculty for Digital & Computing at South Devon College, where I lead curriculum development, digital innovation, and partnerships with employers and community organisations. Throughout my career, I have been committed to widening participation, improving access to education, and helping individuals develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. As a trustee, I bring strategic leadership, governance experience, and a strong belief in power of collaboration to create positive and lasting change for the people and communities that Well Connected serves purpose.

  • 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

  • Trustee

    I am Professor of Maternal and Family Health at the University of Plymouth. I have extensive experience working in reproductive healthcare and public health, and with vulnerable groups, as a nurse, midwife and health visitor. I am passionate about improving wellbeing for all, and my programme of research specialises in optimising the health of people with medical conditions and their partner; before and between pregnancies. In my spare time, I spend as much time as possible outdoors and can be found sailing, walking on the coast or gardening.

  • Trustee

    I am a passionate patient advocate with over 13 years’ experience as a weight management buddy, supporting individuals on their health and wellbeing journeys. I currently serve as Chairperson of a support group, where I help create a strong, encouraging community for people with shared experiences.

    I have contributed as a co-applicant on several research projects and have also been involved in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) across a number of initiatives, helping ensure that lived experience is at the heart of research and service development.

    I also work as an Expert by Experience and specialist lecturer at university level, where I share insight drawn from both personal and professional experience.

    Alongside this, I am also a local business person, bringing a practical, community-focused perspective to all aspects of my work.

    I am committed to improving services, amplifying patient voices, and making a positive difference through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

Our Timeline

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • Staff members holding giant smiles to their faces.

    <p> 2013<br><br> Nominated for ‘Best Team’ award in Dentistry magazine. </p>

  • 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>

  • Well Connected logo

    <p> 2016<br> <br> Well Connected became an independent registered charity.</p>

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • Someone holding toothrbushes.

    <p> 2019<br> <br> We secured the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme working with NHS England across Devon. </p>

  • 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>

  • 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>

  • 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

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