This Wednesday, something important is happening across Somerset
Every Wednesday morning, across Somerset’s village halls, community cafes and town centres, people find a place to belong. A volunteer notices someone isn’t themselves and sits with them. A young person turns up somewhere safe. A carer gets their only break of the week.
This is connection. And connection is prevention.
This Wednesday, 17 June, we’re launching #WednesdayWithoutUs and we need you.
We’re asking every charity, voluntary and community organisation across Somerset to post on Wednesdays using the #WednesdayWithoutUs hashtag, sharing a moment from your week and what would be missing if you weren’t there. Together, those moments become evidence that community matters. Not a nice-to-have. But essential and irreplaceable.
The reality is that many of Somerset’s charities and community groups are operating on a financial cliff edge. Nearly two thirds have six months or less of running costs in reserve, leaving them vulnerable to even small changes in funding. Organisations that were here last year have already had to close. And when they go, the need doesn’t stop. It just turns up later, louder, and much harder to fix.
“When people are connected and supported locally, they cope better, stay healthier, and need less crisis support. This is prevention, and it starts where people live.”
Katherine Nolan, Chief Executive
Through the campaign, we’re asking every organisation across Somerset, however big or small, to post using the hashtag #WednesdayWithoutUs, showing the difference they make in their communities. These stories build a powerful picture of why community isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s essential and irreplaceable.
You don’t need a big budget or a communications team to take part. Simply share a story, photo or insight from your work on a Wednesday. It could be a session, a conversation, a person, or a moment that shows the difference support, connection and community can make.
Ready to get involved? Get your free campaign guide and assets on the #WednesdayWithoutUs webpage.
