W.A.T.CH project shows exciting developments at first anniversary event (From This is The West Country)
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W.A.T.CH project shows exciting developments at first anniversary event
8:00am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Somerset By Jamie Brooks
MEMBERS of the W.A.T.CH project gather at the Young People's Centre for the anniversary event. PHOTO: Jamie Brooks.
THE Working All Together in Chard (W.A.T.CH) project celebrated their first anniversary in the town last month, with a number of exciting developments.
The community interest company held a special event at the Young People's Centre to mark the occasion on Wednesday, July 25, inviting members of the public to see current projects, including the organisation's new website, and a book published on the volunteer's experiences.
Having been set up by members of the Chard Intentional Peer Support Group, the project aims to engage isolated adults such as those with mental health problems, physical disabilities, lone parents, the elderly, migrant workers and adults with drug and alcohol problems.
The book 'Turn Towards The Light' tells the stories of members' journeys through mental health in their own words. The book is available to purchase from the project for £6.
A number of high profile speakers gave presentations at the event, including Malcolm Tipper of Somerset Skills and Learning, Edward Colgan, chief executive of Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Ken Comber, head of community investment with Yarlington Housing Group and John Robinson, volunteer manager with South Somerset Voluntary Community Action.
Volunteer Martin Harrison said: “It has been a very successful day - we had talks from various organisations, and around 100 visitors, thanks to the hard work of co-ordinator Julie Matthews it has gone superbly.”
Projects currently being taken on by group members include an effort to refurbish and re-build old bicycles and an attempt to build a model railway.
To raise funds for the group are selling a charity release, on CD, of the late Peter Cushing reading Peter Kayne's poem No White Peaks, mixed by Adam Wakeman.
Organisations who wish to make a donation to support the W.A.T.CH project can do so via a Local Giving page - to find out more about the go to www.watchproject.org.uk .
