Welcome to Work-Wise

Free friendly advice for people seeking work

Taunton

Wednesdays
9:30 – 12:30

Bridgwater

Starting in
January 2026!

Work-Wise is a Somerset based charity which offers free support to job seekers

We can help with…

Free WiFi

Completely free to use high speed WiFi

Interview Techniques

We can set up a mock interview and provide coaching and feedback

Universal Credit

...and other Benefits help and support

Career

Finding further education and courses

Direction

Signposting to appropriate providers for further support

General Help

Day-to-day administration (i.e. paying bills online, help with tech)

Connections

Direct links to local employers (including Hinkley) and volunteering opportunities

Job Advice & Mentoring

Friendly, practical support and 1:1 mentoring to build confidence and find work that suits you and your preferences.

Setting Up Emails

We will help you set up a personal email account and show you how to use it!

CV’s & Cover Letters

No CV or cover letter? No problem! We have a template and will work with you to create a bespoke CV and cover letter that helps you to shine!

Refreshments

We love a cuppa! And we will always offer you a tea, coffee or cold drink. We also have toast, biscuits, and on occasion a tub of sweets or cake for our members!

Job Applications

Our mentors will guide you every step of the way; from using different sites to browse job vacancies, to completing applications and uploading your CV

We’re a registered charity

Work-Wise is a sponsored organisation that is committed to helping people back into work. It has no government or commercial links and is largely staffed by volunteers.

Why not drop in for tea and toast, and a friendly welcome. We are here to help and if we don’t have the answers we will help you to find them.

Registered charity: 1166226

No appointment needed

Since opening in April 2014, Work-Wise has worked with hundreds of individuals, with regular services in Taunton & Bridgwater.

Why not drop in for a chat over tea or coffee and a friendly welcome to find out how we can support you.

Meet the team

Hover or tap each member to learn more about them!

I have a background in law, but my real passion is helping people find direction and confidence in their work and life. At Work-Wise, I manage the Job Club and organise events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone feels welcome. I love meeting new people and helping them uncover what makes them unique.

Outside of Work-Wise, I enjoy woodworking – it’s a creative outlet that helps me unwind while crafting one-of-a-kind pieces.

We’re Alice and Brian Howe, married for 57 years. I’m a retired coach driver and have been volunteering at Work-Wise since the very first day in April 2014, signing members in and out as the ‘Meet and Greet’ person. Alice recently joined Work-Wise after retiring from Upper Crust Bakery, where she worked for nearly 27 years, and she helps with refreshments when needed. We enjoy reading, baking together (including this year’s Work-Wise Christmas cake), and visiting National Trust gardens.

Brian & Alice

Volunteer
Hi, I am the Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit and the Minister for Temple Methodist Church. I am currently serving as the Chair of the Trustees for Work-Wise. I love having conversations and a tidy office. The first I manage often, the second, not so much...
I have been the treasurer of Work-Wise for just over 4 years. I am a retired Chartered Surveyor and worked in Taunton for around 30 years. I am pleased now to have time to help such a worthwhile local charity. As a hobby I enjoy sailing on warm sunny days!
I have been a mentor at Work-Wise for 4 years. Before retirement I worked for DWP for 30+ years. I enjoy helping and listening to people, and using my skills as a Work Coach.

Chris Thorne

Volunteer
I have helped at WW in the kitchen for many years. I have been happy to help as I think WW is an excellent organisation. I love to bake and occasionally I make biscuits and cake to bring into the Job Club.
At WW I help with the refreshments. I came here as a member originally, but now I am retired I like to volunteer to give back to the community.

Janet Knight

Volunteer
0

individuals helped every year!

Work-Wise is supported by…

Popular Questions and Answers

Absolutely not. Work-Wise is not a religious organisation, and our Job Club is open to everyone – no matter your beliefs or background. While we are very grateful to use the space kindly provided by the church, there is no religious element to our sessions. You won’t be preached to, or asked to take part in anything faith based – we’re simply here to offer practical, friendly support to help you.

No – our Job Club is completely free. We are a ‘not-for-profit’ charity and all our services are offered at no cost to you (even the cake!).

You’re very welcome to drop in any time! If we are busy and you need 1:1 support with one of our experienced mentors there might be a small wait, but we can fill that time with a cuppa and a chat (if you want), or simply chill out and help yourself to some treats!

Not at all! Some of our members come to find a better suited job or another to work around their current employment, explore a new career path, or gain extra skills and confidence whilst they are working.

We never judge. We pride ourselves on being friendly, welcoming, and supportive.  Everyone is treated with respect, and many people find it’s a really positive and encouraging space!

If you have a CV (electronic version even better!), bring a copy along. But if you don’t, don’t worry.  But it would be helpful to jot down some key information (previous jobs/education etc) that we can then use to create you a tailored CV.  It is also helpful to us if you know all of your passwords for emails etc.

Our sessions are 3 hours. Our Taunton and Bridgwater opening times are different and details can be found on our main page.  You are welcome to stay for as long or as little as you like!  Some just want to pop in for a quick chat or to get an answer to a question, and others stay for the whole session.

Testimonials

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