A Norfolk chef who has struggled with mental health hopes to make the issue more open with a new monthly social event.

Charlie Hodson has teamed up with Redwell Brewing and The Gin Temple to host Well Being, Nature and A Little Conversation.

Mr Hodson said: 'As someone who has suffered since 1989 with mental health issues until you become honest about it, you don't see the stigma attached with mental health.

'A lot of the people who contacted me said they go home, and they stay at home. Half of them have trouble getting out of bed to go to work let alone socialise.

'They end up being hermits and when you have anxiety and depression then don't see anyone there is no benefits.'

Eastern Daily Press: Charlie Hodson who is part of the team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCharlie Hodson who is part of the team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The event moves away from the idea of talking directly on mental health and celebrates the fact of socialising with a relaxed atmosphere, burger making lessons from Coxfords Butchers and bulb planting from gardening presenter and writer Ellen Mary.

The no bookings needed event will be once a month until February 2019 with the first on Wednesday, November 14 at The Gin Temple, Norwich.

Mr Hodson added: 'I used to come off stage and be in a green room crying my eyes out for three hours because I'd think I was a failure.

'If I thought I was a failure with all these people around me what do those who are alone at home feel?

Eastern Daily Press: The team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. From left, Ellen Mary, garden writer and radio show host; Charlie Hodson, chef; Teresa Gizzi, owner of the Gin Temple; and Andrew Dellbridge, garden designer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. From left, Ellen Mary, garden writer and radio show host; Charlie Hodson, chef; Teresa Gizzi, owner of the Gin Temple; and Andrew Dellbridge, garden designer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'We are always very defensive of mental health. When we came up with the idea for the event we didn't want to sound like we are preaching about mental health. We can only talk from our own feelings.

'Everybody is different. Their anxiety and depression is different. So why not have a night were anyone can come freely, get together and talk.'

Former Norwich City midfielder Cedric Anselin will be at the night to share his experience with mental health.

Garden designer Andrew Dellbridge will also be sharing his own experience with mental health, discussing how it has and can affect friends and family.

Eastern Daily Press: Charlie Hodson who is part of the team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCharlie Hodson who is part of the team behind the Wellbeing, Nature, and a Little Conversation initiative to encourage people with mental health difficulties to come to social gatherings at the Gin Temple. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

While in a social environment health services and experts will be on hand to speak to anyone looking for help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health you can contact Norwich Samaritans on 01603 611 311.

Dates and timings

Wednesday, November 14 2018

Wednesday, December 12 2018

Wednesday. January 16 2019

Wednesday, January 13 2019

Talks start at 7pm and activities run until 9pm.