Our history
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Humble beginnings
In 2007 a small group of local people with lived experience of isolation and mental health formed an intentional peer support group as patients. They went from patients, to peers, and then formed Chard Intentional Peer Support.
WATCH began in 2010 from Chard Intentional Peer Support. WATCH was built by and for people who understand the importance of belonging. The goal: to empower individuals to reach their full potential and reduce isolation. Feeling isolated affects so many people. We have members from all walks of life: elderly people, minority groups, young adults, adults with mental health issues, those who feel lonely, those with neurodiversity, have physical disabilities, adults recovering from dependency of alcohol or substance misuse – anyone who feels alone.
To continued growth
In 2011 We became Chard WATCH CIC, at the heart of WATCH is the belief that real, lasting change comes from within.
Since then, we’ve continued to grow as a peer-led community into a county-wide charity where everyone is valued, heard, and supported.
WATCH joined the OMHN (Open Mental Health Network) in 2019 And we are the peer lead for Somerset and provide training and support for both paid and volunteer peer support workers.
WATCH became a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) in 2025 allowing us to grow and apply to new funding opportunities. Our focus will always be on peer support – people learning and growing together – and on building what we call mental wealth: recognising and building on strengths rather than being held back by challenges.