The Sheltered Work Opportunities Project is a registered charity. It's first project, Cherry Tree Nursery is a commercial shrub nursery, based in Bournemouth, serving the communities of East Dorset and West Hampshire. It was set up to address the great need for meaningful occupation, in a supportive and pressure-free environment, for adults with severe and enduring mental illness. Cherry Tree aims to use the therapeutic nature of horticulture to restore mental well-being. Part of SWOP's brief is to reduce stigma and discrimination by promoting public awareness of mental health issues.

In any one year, 25% of the adult population experience a mental health problem. Many of these people want and need to fill their time usefully and productively, but feel unable to cope with the stresses and pressures of open employment. The project promotes recovery by boosting self-esteem and confidence, providing companionship and mutual support, helping to dispel boredom and loneliness, and restoring dignity.

Sheltered Work Opportunities Project is a registered charity (no 900325) and a company limited by guarantee (no 2449757). Registered in England. The Registered Office is at Cherry Tree Nursery.