Rockwater Branksome in Poole, part of the lifestyle hospitality brand, has announced that Nigel Kilpatrick, founder of Compassion in Business and dedicated charity volunteer, has joined the team as the host of its free weekly mental health and wellbeing session, So Talk.
Nigel Kilpatrick brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering mental health and wellbeing as the So Talk host. He has enjoyed a successful 30 year career which has included starting technology companies both in the US and UK, leading global teams for major software companies, and coaching and mentoring hundreds of aspiring business leaders. Nigel subsequently founded Compassion in Business, dedicated to promoting and teaching compassionate leadership, removing toxic work cultures, and providing mental health solutions and frameworks for employees.
His extensive charitable work includes working as a listening volunteer for the Samaritans as well as providing support to the Bournemouth Food Bank and serving as a business mentor at Enterprise Nation. This charitable work underscores his dedication to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. Nigel is also a Non-Executive Director and business advisor to several local businesses.
He says: “I’m honoured to join Rockwater in Branksome and lead the Monday So Talk sessions. 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.”
So Talk will continue to offer a free weekly safe space for people to talk, reconnect and listen with Nigel at the helm, providing a sense of community to all attendees.
Rockwater’s Sophie Corbett, who launched So Talk four years ago and has been running So Talk sessions at the Hove venue ever since, adds: “Rockwater is excited to welcome Nigel to the team. 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.”
Sophie continues: “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.”
So Talk is open to everyone and takes place every Monday from 10am to 11am in the Roof Terrace at Rockwater Branksome.