Spotlight Series: Q&A with Charles Mears of The Woodpecker Project

Q1: What does your business do, and who do you help?

We’re a mental health awareness charity that specialises in training personal trainers and individuals who work in the fitness industry in mental health first aid. We’re aiming to have a mental health first aider in every gym and UK fitness facility. We use fitness challenges to start conversations and save lives.

Q2: What inspired you to start The Woodpecker Project?

Having fundraised for a few other charities I noticed the importance of using fitness challenges to start conversations around mental health. I wanted to empower other people to do the same.

Q3: What do you enjoy most about your work?

When we receive feedback from within our community that someone has reached out for support after seeing one of our information posts or speaking to one of our community champions. This means we know we’re making a small difference and that matters to us.

Q4: What makes your service or approach different?

We’re literally at as many events as possible. Running or walking themselves and having this conversations around mental health during these challenges as well as there to support our brave fundraisers.

Q5: What’s been a proud or memorable moment since launching?

Hearing that we helped save a life from taking a call. This moment will stay with me forever. My training in Mental Health First Aid gave me the confidence to give support and reassurance in difficult situations. This person is now an amazing ambassador for our charity and is very happy and healthy within their life.

Q6: Have you faced any major challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Many, no one writes a blueprint on how to start a charity. There are guidelines but no one explains to you how difficult it is to get set up on JustGiving or how much effort it takes to get Gift Aid set up. The hours seen behind the scenes are worth every struggle and late night when you know you’re helping and its moments like that that keep you focused on getting the structure and foundations of the charity right.

Q7: What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting out?

I’m happy to say there’s been lots I didn’t know before starting, but its through learning about them that I’ve had to grow and develop as a charity founder.

Q8: What’s a common misconception about running a charity?

Most of what people say about running a charity is true. Yes its hard, Yes there is lots of red tape and i received a lot of advice when i told people i was going to do it that i shouldn’t. But the truth is. When you receive that phone call and know you’ve help. It’s all worth it.

Q9: What advice would you give to someone entering the charity industry?

Build a strong close core of people around you that you trust. Not always your closest friends but those who values are the same but you know they will keep you accountable to achieve the things you said you would. If you’re thinking about starting a charity, Don’t be afraid to ask for help and do kick starter and pay for a company to help you with the official charity set up with the government. This is worth every penny.

If you’re thinking about entering the 3rd sector to work. You’ll find it more rewarding than the corporate world and that’s a great thing for your mental health.

Q10: What do you like about being listed on UK Business Portal?

This gives us a great opportunity for others to find us. Which is everything we’re about. We can’t help people if we can’t be seen or heard.