WATCH CIO is inviting local businesses and philanthropists to support the next phase of its much-loved Thursday Project, as demand rises and statutory funding decreases.
Since 2010, the weekly Thursday Project held at Chard Rugby Club has helped isolated adults across Somerset experiencing mental health difficulties to improve their wellbeing and gain employment.
The charity supports some of the most isolated in Somerset, such as lone parents, migrant workers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, disabled people and many more diverse groups; often they are living with significant challenges, including debt, homelessness, and illness.
In 2024 alone, the project saw more than 950 attendances, reflecting growing local need for safe social spaces and wellbeing support. But recent cutbacks in statutory funding mean that WATCH must secure additional funding not only to sustain the project, but to grow it, ensuring more adults in Chard can access the support they need sooner before reaching a crisis point.
Scott is one member of WATCH who secured employment with support from the Thursday Project. “I feel like WATCH has been a source of stability during turbulent times, has taught me important lessons about work/life balance and this has helped me find and maintain work.”
Lisa is another member of WATCH who has benefitted from involvement. “I would recommend the Watch Project to others, especially the ones who are having issues with loneliness. There is something for everyone. There is no pressure whatsoever”, she said.
Jay, who has been a member of WATCH for seven years, said: “I would recommend Watch to others as it is a safe space where you can go if you are struggling with your mental health and loneliness. I feel communities would benefit from this as it helped me and people I know, it has improved my life and enables people to grow in confidence and get back into work when they are ready.”
Watch CIO is a pioneer in helping economically inactive individuals in Somerset gain meaningful voluntary placements and employment. It recently helped upskill nearly 30 people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), and is looking to help more people in 2026.
Julie Matthews, CEO of WATCH CIO, said “WATCH specialises in and is the lead Peer Provision across Somerset for the award-winning Open Mental Health Network. We have recently developed a Peer Passport where adults aged 18 upwards can go on their own chosen journey of activities. This includes working with our partners in conservation, farming and local businesses to encourage them to boost their confidence and employability through Peer Networking.”
Businesses or individuals interested in supporting WATCH CIO and the Thursday Project are encouraged to contact info@watchproject.org.uk or 01460 712119.
