Supporting Wellbeing, Supporting Community

Tuesday 06 Oct 2026

 

Jersey Mencap's Pond Project is a community initiative that offers a range of activities and support for people with a learning disability in Jersey.  The project focuses on providing meaningful ways for individuals to meet, learn, and have fun in a warm and inclusive environment.

 

Alex Picot's involvement in the 'Pond Project' has become hugely meaningful to us, offering a great teambuilding opportunity and encouraging wellbeing.

 

Since 2024 we have taken time out from the office each September to work alongside Mencap to clear and tidy up the woodland area surrounding the pond. Set in the beautiful countryside of St Martin, the pond is a real sanctuary where we can connect with colleagues in the fresh air while lending a hand to this really important community conservation project. 

 

The tea and biscuits at the end are welcomed and our team always leave feeling tired but uplifted from the experience.

Don Connolly, Partner, said:

"Everyone looks forward to our annual day at the Pond Project when they get a chance to step away from their desks and get outside in the countryside.  We've seen how the project offers a place of tranquillity for Mencap members to learn new skills and we benefit greatly too. Thank you to Alex Wiles from Mencap and all the team who make us feel so welcome each time we visit."

 

Haley O'Brien, Accountant and committed Pond Project supporter, said:

"It's really rewarding being able to go and help out Mencap and after three years we still feel like our contribution matters. This time we got to build mini boats for a race against the Mencap team, this was really great fun at the end of a busy morning weeding and clearing the area."

 

The Pond Project is based at the Mencap site on Rozel Hill, which boasts reservoir, woodland and marshland with a wide variety of wildlife. The project helps people with a learning disability gain hands-on skills in conservation, safe use of tools and general work experience in a beautiful natural environment.

Sessions are structured to give participants real skills while being fully supportive and adapted to each person's needs. It's a great way to connect with nature, develop confidence and be part of a hardworking, friendly team.