A Watlington resident has used his own experience struggling with social isolation as well as his expertise in mental health.
Johnathan Bone is the mind behind Band of Brothers, a men’s mental health group that meets at The Angel pub in the village.
Set up back in April, the group meet once a fortnight at the pub to chat with each other and make friends.
Watlington resident Johnathan Bone has set up the Band of Brothers group
It was something that Johnathan, a children’s wellbeing practitioner at Norfolk County Council, created following his own experience of feeling lonely.
“It was set up through personal and professional reasons after struggling with isolation myself, and I get the idea that many other guys have struggled too,” he said.
“There are not many mental health spaces for men, although they are now on the rise with campaigns and groups. But I felt that there was nothing available.
The meet-ups take place at The Angel at Watlington
“So far, we have got a really good bunch of people together. It has been really positive.”
Johnathan told the Lynn News that he would like to encourage more men to come along to the group, which has been meeting in a quiet corner of the pub’s beer garden during the summer months.
He said that he has noticed a change in himself since attending the fortnightly sessions.
“I certainly have something to look forward to, having a chat every other week and enjoying other people’s company has been great,” Johnathan said.
“The guys find it a nice way to get out of the house, away from a potentially stressful environment.”
Anyone struggling with isolation or low mood is encouraged to come along.
The group’s next meeting is on Thursday, September 25, at 7pm at The Angel pub.