WATCH CIO

10/12/2025

Last Friday, several of our intrepid members braved the downpours and made the journey to Folly Farmyard as part of our Conservation Community Action Group (CCAG). We were given a tour of the farm and discussed various tasks that we might be able to volunteer to help with in the new year.

Thanks to Jonathan for being a fantastic host. We look forward to spending more time together in 2026!

04/12/2025

Since late September, members of WATCH and ARK at Egwood have come together to form the Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra. Under the guidance of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, they have been busy learning to play instruments and rehearsing songs.

On Tuesday of this week, all of their hard work and effort culminated in a wonderful live, festive performance. We were treated to rousing renditions of Last Christmas, Hit the Road Jack, Dreams and more. We particularly enjoyed the traditional African music!

Well done to everyone who took part, especially those brave enough to sing solo! You were all amazing!

Huge thanks to our friends at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for orchestrating it all!

04/12/2025

WATCH is moving!

If anyone has any removal cardboard boxes to donate, we would be very grateful.

Please drop off any spare boxes you have to our Boden Street office (TA20 2AX) Thank you!

01/12/2025

Last weekend, our marvelous members, Geraldine and Claire, spent Saturday at the Blackdown Christmas Craft Fayre which took place in Chard Guildhall. They sold some amazing macrame creations and kindly donated some of their proceeds towards this year's WATCH Christmas party!

A huge 'thank you' to them both from everyone at WATCH for their hard work and generosity!

29/11/2025

Watch members had a great trip out to Magdalen Farm yesterday, planting trees, seeing the animals and crafting Christmas wreaths 🌳🐐🐖

Members spent time near to the River Axe learning more about biodiversity and environment restoration 🦦

Thank you especially to Rhian for an excellent and informative day! 👏

26/11/2025

We need your help to raise funds!

WATCH is receiving more referrals than ever, and our community spaces are making a real difference to people who might otherwise feel alone.

If you believe in what we do, please consider supporting us through Local Giving:

https://localgiving.org/charity/watchcio

Your contribution — big or small — helps us continue our work across Somerset.

23/11/2025

Exercise is great for short and long term physical and mental health! This find the right exercise for you to take care of . Move more.

https://www.selfcareforum.org/moving-more/

22/11/2025

It’s . Winter can be a time when our mood is low but small activities can help us feel better like listening to birdsong.

More advice from here - http://bit.ly/2tiBs9K

21/11/2025

Some fantastic news!

WATCH is very proud to be a part of the Open Mental Health alliance. Congratulations to all of our amazing partners on winning this prestigious award.

We Are Winners! Open Mental Health and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust won a Prestigious HSJ Award!

We're proud to announce that the Open Mental Health VCFSE Alliance, alongside our partners at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, won the Mental Health Innovation of the Year Award at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards ceremony.

This is incredible national recognition for every single person across our alliance—our community partners, the NHS, Somerset Council, and Experts by Experience. The award is proof that our collaborative approach to mental healthcare is changing lives.

Five years ago, we set out to break down barriers and create a "no wrong door" system in Somerset. This award is not just a trophy; it validates the work that has led to a 35% reduction in acute mental health hospital bed days and a readmission rate less than half the national average. It shows that when we work together, we can truly deliver high-quality, joined-up, and effective support.

Well done to everyone at SFT and in the OMH alliance! We are honoured to be recognised among the best in healthcare.

https://awards.hsj.co.uk/

21/11/2025

It’s and a reminder that It is important for our mental wellbeing to stay connected to our friends and family. Speaking to them regularly will help our health.

Self Care Forum

20/11/2025

A huge thank you to Carrie, Health and Wellbeing Coach at Ariel Healthcare, who joined us at our Thursday Project today to talk to our members about nutrition, hydration and Ways To Wellbeing!

20/11/2025