In July 2024, the Woodbridge community tragically lost a young farmer to suicide. A year later, the Woodbridge Parishes created a safe, informal space where local men could talk, eat together and access professional mental-health guidance. Having begun as a quarterly event, the group has since grown into a thriving monthly gathering.
The Woodbridge group of churches is made up of six parishes in the countryside around Malmesbury and many of those living in the rural area work in farming and other agricultural trades, often experiencing isolation, pressure and a stigma around seeking help.
The mental health focused gathering was launched with this group in mind and has now been running for nearly a year, meeting at the Brinkworth pub—a neutral, familiar and comfortable venue where many local men naturally congregate. Each meeting includes a free shared meal, an invited mental-health professional or speaker from organisations such as Wiltshire Mind and Andy's Man Club, and a facilitated but relaxed discussion space.
The inaugural meeting brought in wide attendance from across the villages, including farmers, construction workers, young adults, as well as unemployed and retired men. Many attendees did not previously know one another, yet the atmosphere encouraged sincerity, trust and connection.
Group members are welcome to talk, listen, or simply be present. The culture fostered is compassionate, non-judgemental and built around the message: it is a strength to ask for help. The evenings are simple but powerful - filled with laughter, openness, and connection. Month by month, the pub room is nearly always full, and without fail, everyone leaves feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.
A core aim of the initiative is also to build a bridge between rural men and wider mental-health provision. This is being done by partnering directly with Wiltshire Mind, PAPYRUS and the Diocese. Individuals from these charities who attend the groups meetings also provide follow-up conversations where needed and have helped attendees access the support they need.
Fr Christian Saguyan serves as Curate in Charge of the Woodbridge Group of Churches and, alongside Tom Russel, a Churchwarden of the parish of Brinkworth and support from Wiltshire Mind, helped to launch the men's group. He said: “For me, what began in response to loss has become a place of life and connection, where men gather, cheer and laugh together, speak openly, or sit silently. One thing is guaranteed: we leave a little lighter than before.
“Our gathering is made of 90% non-church goers and probably not Christians. It is a place where we can share the life of Christ through being-with in listening and caring. Having said that, the camaraderie among us has felt like church - brothers in faith...faith that there is help and hope.”
If you are interested in launching a similar initiative in your parish or benefice, Fr Christian would be pleased to hear from you. You can connect with him at csaguyan@gmail.com.
You can also get in touch with the Diocesan Inclusion team at inclusion@bristoldiocese.org.