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Meet the team

WATCH is all about people

Our strength comes from the mix of staff, trustees, volunteers, and members who bring their lived experience, skills, and compassion to everything we do. Together, we create the safe and welcoming environments that make WATCH unique.

Our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees provides guidance, accountability, and support to ensure WATCH continues to grow while staying true to its values. They bring knowledge from a wide range of backgrounds – from finance and governance to community development and wellbeing – and keep our mission at the heart of every decision.

Jonathan Farey

Trustee

About Jonathan

Adeel Ahmad

Trustee

About Adeel

Adriana Brito

Trustee

About Adriana

Kim Tay

Trustee

About Kim

Julie Matthews BEM

CEO & Founder

About Julie

Andrew Peacey

Strategic Manager

About Andrew

Ruth Crooks

Trustee

About Ruth

Our staff

Our staff team run the day-to-day projects, courses, and operations. They are the friendly faces you’ll meet at our hubs, the organisers behind our workshops, and the people who make sure WATCH is a safe and supportive environment.

Leonie Girling

HR & Operations Manager

About Leonie

Simon Vincent

Member Coordinator

About Simon

Kevin Townsend

Honorary Treasurer & Volunteer

About Kevin

Lisa White

Administration Coordinator

About Lisa

Ali Reynolds

Peer Engagement Lead

About Ali

Caroline Martin

Peer Engagement Lead

About Caroline

Ann Phillips

Team Training Lead

About Ann

Matt Day

Bridges to Wellbeing Project Manager

About Matt

Our volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of WATCH. From cooking meals to running creative activities, from listening over a cup of tea to helping with admin, they make it possible for WATCH to reach more people.

Volunteering at WATCH is about being part of a team where their skills, kindness, and willingness to be there for others are valued.

Sue Cunningham

One of our many volunteers

About Sue

Search here

Jonathan Farey

Trustee

I worked for the Forestry Commission aged 21, for three years in Neroche Forest, and then set up on my own in forestry, landscaping and building, working all over the south west of England.

In 1989 I managed to buy a farmyard and a few acres of land and slowly built up a small farm with various animals. I have four fabulous daughters with my wife Maria who runs a youth theatre group in Chard called CLOKS.

We have been welcoming WATCH project members here for several years now and can safely say the visits are most worthwhile for all concerned.

My passions are music, family, the countryside, ecology and sustainable farming. I enjoy being a governor at Holyrood and being involved with local churches and the Blackdown Hills AONB.

My plans are to play more music, sing more songs, plant more trees and help more people in the Chard area.

Adeel Ahmad

Trustee

I have over 25 years of diverse industry experience spanning the pharmaceutical, distribution, telecommunications, and professional services sectors. Currently, I serve as the Chief Financial Officer at EXA Infrastructure, a pan-European and trans-Atlantic digital fibre infrastructure provider. In my role at EXA, I am globally responsible for financial planning, accounting, control, tax, treasury, and strategic sourcing.

Previously, I was the Chief Financial Officer at ADVANZ PHARMA, where I played a key role in the company’s £1.6 billion sale to a leading private equity fund in 2021. During my time at ADVANZ (formerly Concordia Healthcare), I was a commercially focused CFO, leading acquisitions, integration, streamlining operations, and raising finance. Before joining ADVANZ in 2013, I was the CFO for Ingram Micro Mobility’s Indian operations (formerly BrightPoint) in New Delhi, and held several senior finance roles with Nortel Networks from 2003 to 2012 across Canada, South Korea, and China.

I began my career at Deloitte LLP in Toronto. I hold an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and am a Chartered Accountant from Canada.

I am honoured to be part of The WATCH Project, supporting Julie and the rest of her team in their mission to provide critically needed peer support in the community.

Adriana Brito

Trustee

​I was honoured to join the WATCH Project in 2023, bringing a background in business management, recruitment, business development,  great knowledge of the local area, the struggles that our community faces, and HR experience to the board, as a Recruitment Manager for over 10 years, and nationally recognised with an Award for; changing people’s life.

 In my current roles as a Careers Coach and Executive Officer, I have spent years helping thousands of individuals find clarity in their career paths and navigate the complex life challenges that often prevent people from working, giving everyone the time and support they deserve. 

​On the board, I focus on using my experience in sales and business development to help strengthen our charity’s strategic foundation, as well as staff related matters,  HR and overall, supporting Julie with the functioning of the team. My commitment to this work is deeply personal; I know that mental health setbacks can feel impossible to overcome when you are isolated or feel unseen and misunderstood. I am passionate about ensuring the WATCH Project remains a safe, community-driven space where peer support helps people move from isolation to empowerment.

No one is broken;  we are all in the journey of constant self-discovery,  and together we are stronger. 

​I know from personal experience that no one should have to face life’s toughest moments alone. I am proud to contribute my professional skills and my lived experience to the board, ensuring we continue to provide a safe, inclusive environment for those in our community who need it most.

Kim Tay

Trustee

I am the Founder and CEO of Zitan Capital, where I manage long-term investments in public equities. My career spans 20+ years across Asia and Europe, moving from corporate finance and M&A advisory at global investment banks to managing portfolios in public equities in hedge funds.

My approach to investing is grounded in both analytical foundation and deep human interaction. I began my career at Willis Towers Watson in Asia after graduating from the University of Melbourne (Actuarial Studies, Statistics, and History & Philosophy of Science). I later moved to London to pursue an MBA in Value Investing at London Business School, and have called the UK home ever since.

Beyond the financial markets, I am a passionate believer that Mental Health is Mental Wealth. Having served as an elected student leader at both University of Melbourne and LBS — focusing on globalization, youth and women’s initiatives — I am dedicated to building peer-support communities that help us stay grounded and connected in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

I joined Watch as I identify with the values of Watch and the work that Julie and her team are trying to accomplish in driving peer support through the community. I am a huge supporter of Watch’s  initiatives to nurture our relationships with our local community and with nature.

Julie Matthews

CEO & Founder

In 2007, I was chosen along with 34 other service users, who were suffering with mental health issues, across the South West to train in Intentional Peer support. The training was by Shery Mead and Chris Hansen, from America.  The aim was to go back to our communities and show the benefits of Intentional peer support.  The training was inspirational and I learnt about how having a mutual understanding with another helps each other connect.  I took this new learning back to the day centre I was using and with other valuable members eventually formed a small peer group called Chard Intentional Peer Support Group.  Our small group formed really good peer friendships and over the years accomplished a lot within not only ourselves but with other valuable organisations and groups.

Over the years with great volunteers and organisations were able to become a small organisation helping anyone who was isolated and called this WATCH.  Today we have reached over 150 members and the project has been established since 2010.  During this time we also have delivered professional peer support workshops across the whole of Somerset to maximise peoples’ true potential in their own way.

I have learnt an incredible amount even though it has been incredibly tough and enduring.  The insights I have gained have changed me enormously and realise that I am a novice in everything I do.

Recently I was lucky to represent Watch to meet up with Lucy Nelson who enabled four grass roots independent organisations to come together across Somerset and call themselves ‘Wells Wessex’. This was a natural progression for us that could pull resources to offer people most in need and continue the model of peer support.

I am passionate about peer support and will continue for as long as I can to promote this, as to be alone wastes someone’s true potential.

Andrew Peacey

Strategic Manager

I started volunteering for The WATCH project back in 2012 as a university student looking for work experience. I first started helping out with accounts and a little while later I was asked to join the board of Directors.

Since WATCH has become a CIO I have stepped down but still remain active in helping the board make decisions where needed.

Outside of WATCH I have completed my bachelors in Mathematics and started a varied career working across Insurance and Energy primarily in analytical roles.

I now, however, live in sunny Barcelona where I am able to see all the amazing work the team achieves from a distance.

Ruth Crooks

Most of my career has been working for Somerset Skills and Learning, initially as a Health & Social Care Training Officer, working with 16–20 yr olds undertaking a Youth Opportunities Programme. As Government funded training programmes for post 16’s continually changed, so did my role and I became a Curriculum Manager for Youth & Adult Apprenticeships. I retired from this full time and very demanding role in 2014 with the view to continue in some work part time. This is when I was introduced to Watch, to Julie and to the amazing work the Watch project was doing.
It was so inspiring that without any reservations I accepted a job with Watch. 
With my training background I was able to support the Peer Training Watch offered, as well as helping to introduce new procedures and contracted work such as Somerset Mental Wellbeing Service, Open Mental Health and trailblazing the Somerset Peer Support Worker programme. I continued in a part-time role until 2023 and after that still helped out on the occasional basis. 
I am delighted to now act as a Trustee and continue being involved with Watch and Peer Support

Leonie Girling

HR & Operations Manager

I joined Watch in 2020 but had been associated with Watch for a number of years through my previous role, which involved supporting organisations needing volunteers. I have been in the voluntary sector for nearly 20 years. 

As Operations Manager, I support our team with all things HR and I also work with our amazing volunteers. Being part of a small team means I often get involved in lots of different things. Every day can be so different and there is always something new to learn which I love. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, getting out and about on my bike or walking (often with a coffee shop!), going to the theatre and getting to the coast. I am at my happiest when near the sea!

Vacant post

Member Coordinator

Vacant post – updates with new staff member soon. 

Kevin Townsend

Honorary Treasurer & Volunteer

Having spent 40 years, running my own businesses until 2015, when I retired I decided I would like to be involved with a local Community Interest Company. I became Treasurer of Chard WATCH in May 2016.

I am always amazed at how the members respond to being part of the Thursday Project. Becoming more confident and self assured in this brilliant environment.

I really enjoy being part of a great team and also witnessing the growth and success of the business.

Lisa White

Administration Coordinator

I joined WATCH in 2020 and have enjoyed being part of such a supportive and dedicated team. Every day is different, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing our members grow in confidence, develop new skills, and achieve things they never thought possible.
 
As an Administrator Officer, I provide administrative support to help ensure our services run smoothly. I enjoy working behind the scenes to support both our members and colleagues, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.
 
Outside of WATCH, I am a keen runner with a passion for marathon running. In 2024, I completed the London Marathon, raising just under £1,000 for WATCH. I also work as a Wellness Coach at a local gym, where I teach fitness classes and support people on their own health and wellbeing journeys.
 
Working at WATCH has been an important part of my own journey, and I feel proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a positive difference in people’s lives. If my younger self could see me today, I think she would be proud of the person I have become and the difference I am able to make through my work.

Ali Reynolds

Peer Engagement Lead

Ali joined the Watch team in 2024 as Peer Engagement Lead, she has over 30 years’ experience working in the charity sector, delivering welfare,  supporting individuals with complex needs.
 
Ali is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Watch.

Caroline Martin

Peer Engagement Lead

I’m Caroline – or actually Cas as most people call me.
Having joined WATCH in May, I’m really delighted to be here amongst such amazing people on the team, on our online courses/forums and WATCH members.  
 

Ann Phillips

Training Team Lead

I joined Watch in September 2025 as The Open Mental Health Training Team Lead. I have been associated with Watch for many years working in partnership to provide training, volunteering and employment advice and support to members.

I have a professional background in informal, community and further education, careers and employment advice, bid writing, contract management and youth work.

I am delighted to join the organisation, supporting our Facilitators, Volunteers, and Peer Engagement Leads, collaborating with the management team, and contributing to the design of course delivery and development.

When not working I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and watching sport particularly Formula One and as a Geordie Newcastle United. 

Matt Day

Project Manager for Bridges to Wellbeing

I joined WATCH in April 2026, managing a 3-year, Lottery-funded collaborative project between WATCH, ARK at Egwood, Chard Community Hub and Open Doors in Crewkerne.

I’ve worked in community development in Somerset for over 20 years for charities, Local Government and the NHS.

I’m interested in all aspects of wellbeing, particularly tackling loneliness and isolation and keeping fit. I enjoy cycling in our wonderful countryside. Volunteer roles include Coordinator for the Crewkerne Timebank and Chair of the Friends of the Ilminster-Chard cycle path.

Sue Cunningham

Volunteer

Before retiring, I worked with people with learning difficulties. When my work ended, I found myself at a bit of a loose end and began looking for something to fill up my spare time. A

After doing some research online, I became aware of Chard WATCH and thought to myself ‘this sounds good!’ I got in touch and before I knew it, I was volunteering on a Wednesday.

At first, my role involved spending time with members and having a good chat, but I have since branched out to occasionally hold arts and crafts sessions, too!

I really enjoy my time at WATCH and volunteering has given me new purpose. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone.