About Us

The project started in 2007 as a detached youth project, run by volunteers from the back of a minibus. The volunteers started the work as a direct response to increasing reports of anti-social behaviour from young people across the town.  Working for over two years from the back of a minibus, our volunteers went out onto the streets of Normanton and engaged with young people who were hanging around on the streets with nothing to do and nowhere to go. This work proved to be incredibly successful and developed into the purchase of a building from which we could have a permanent base for our work, this also gave us the opportunity to expand our work to offer further activities to the wider community.

When the building was purchased in 2009 in was derelict and in need of total renovation. This building work was undertaken by local trades’ people over a six month period.

The Well @Woodhouse building was officially opened in April 2010. The building has hosted a variety of sessions including a youth club, friendship groups, coffee mornings, walking groups, counselling spaces, budgeting and debt help, and housed various groups to name but a few.

The project started due to the work of the Parish Church’s Rank Foundation Funded Youth Worker. Who developed a core team of volunteers to run the weekly sessions. The establishing of the charity and the purchase of a community building was down to a gracious legacy gift from a member of community, without whom The Well Project would not have been possible.

Since 2007 The Well Project has grown and developed into an all-encompassing community project, serving Normanton and the wider community.

Autumn 2014 saw the exciting opening of our second community space The Well @Haw Hill Park, this building houses a Trussell Trust food bank and bike library to further help the community.  In May 2017, the decision was made to close the building at Woodhouse and run mainly from Haw Hill Park.

In 2019 The Well Loved Shop was opened in Normanton Market Place, our small shop is run by volunteers and sells pre-loved items to raise funds for all we do at the Well Project, from Food Bank to Youth Clubs to Coffee Mornings and everything in between.

Trustees

Reverend Alan Murray is a Church Leader at the All Saints Normanton Church, having been Vicar for 9 years. Alan serves as Chair of our Board of Trustees

Steven Hudson is an experienced first Responder having worked with the NHS for years. He is a respectable member of the Normanton Community, currently serving as a Normanton Town Councillor and previously served as Mayor of Normanton. Steven is on our board of Trustees  and is passionate about the community, and provides oversight on our activities

June Townend worked as a Registered Nurse, and retired after 33 years in Hospital Administration. She spends her retirement serving as a Trustee for The Well Project, being the longest serving volunteer here at the Well.  June spends her time volunteering at the Food Bank, Brunch Clubs and other events, offering help and advice in our activities providing experienced support to the team.

Christine Shaw worked over 25 years as a Registered Nurse. Post retirement, she serves as a volunteer at the Normanton Foodbank and the Meet n’ Eats Diner and is one of our Trustees for The Well Project.

Josie Pritchard has been an active Normanton Town Councillor for a number of years and was appointed Mayor of Normanton in 2019-2021.  Josie has been appointed as Mayor of Wakefield and has raised considerable amounts of money for charities.  Josie provides support and guidance as a Trustee of the Well Project.

Teresa Webb worked in Mental Health Support as Team Leader, and spends her retirement time as volunteer for the Normanton Foodbank, brunch club and other events. Teresa is one of our valuable Trustees offering support and guidance.

Our Project Team

Michelle has over 30 years experience in business administration and is our Community Project Coordinator, leading the project since 2015 with the help of the team and volunteers.  Michelle has supported the Well Project since 2009 by fundraising and raising awareness at her previous employment.  

Ash had close to two decades experience as an Administrative Personnel with the Royal Air Force. He serves as a Town Councillor for Normanton and Altofts, currently leading a team of volunteers as Food Bank Manager for The Well Project.