A POOLE restaurant has teamed up with a charity founder to host its free weekly mental health and wellbeing session. 

Compassion in Business founder Nigel Kilpatrick will lead the sessions called So Talk at Rockwater in Branksome. 

Nigel brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering mental health and wellbeing as the So Talk host.

Boasting a successful 30 year career, Nigel has started technology companies in the USA and UK, led global teams for major software companies and coached hundreds of aspiring business leaders.  

After that, he founded Compassion in Business, dedicated to promoting and teaching compassionate leadership, removing “toxic” work cultures and providing mental health solutions for employees. 

Nigel said: “Good mental health and wellbeing are crucial aspects of our lives, and through So Talk I’m committed to listening and, if needed, signposting individuals so they can navigate challenges.  

“I like to describe So Talk as a coffee morning with a difference. It’s an hour in a non-judgmental environment where people have the opportunity to meet and talk about whatever they wish to people who will listen and are open-minded.   

“I believe it is rare to find a business like Rockwater committed to providing wellbeing support such as this in the communities it serves and I look forward to working with the Rockwater Branksome community to contribute to the ongoing success of So Talk.” 

Rockwater’s Sophie Corbett launched So Talk four years ago and has been running So Talk sessions at the Hove venue ever since. 

She said: “I have known Nigel for 30 years and was thrilled when he agreed to facilitate So Talk at Branksome.  

“His expertise and passion for mental health and wellbeing align perfectly with our aim to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for our community.” 

“The So Talk initiative in Hove has already welcomed more than 200 people and this is why we wanted to introduce the concept to our second venue in Branksome. 

“The initiative offers a welcoming space for those feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or in need of new friends.  

“It’s the perfect place to recharge and make meaningful connections. People can engage in uplifting conversations, listen, and share inspiration.  

“No themes, no agendas, just authentic connections and genuine camaraderie.”