His friend’s actions motivated Mr Rush to start a group for people who may have felt the same way.
Six years later Mr Rush has now brought his mental health support group, Jude’s Corner, to Blyburgate Hall in Beccles.
Jude’s Corner expanded to Beccles in less than two years (Image: Asa Rush)
Mr Rush, who runs the sessions voluntarily, said: “What I want to do, and am doing, with these groups is creating a safe space for people to socially interact, where people can talk to others, but there is no pressure, so they don’t have to say a word, they can just be around other people,
“But if they want to talk about issues there’s a listening ear, I have many board games, a pool table, just ways of getting people to interact with one another.”
“I provide biscuits, crisps and other snacks as well as teas, coffees etc, everything is free of charge as I would never want someone to feel they could not afford to attend.”
Games and refreshments are available at both groups (Image: Asa Rush)
Jude’s Corner gets its name after Saint Jude, the Patron Saint of lost causes and desperate situations.
The group first started in Reydon in 2024. No one attended for the first 10 weeks but Mr Rush persisted, and eventually locals started to come along. Now the group has taken on a few volunteers to help run the events.
There’s hope that Jude’s Corner could continue to expand across the country.
Asa Rush also runs the group at Reydon Sports and Community Centre (Image: Asa Rush)
Mr Rush said: “For anyone wishing to attend, we are open Monday evenings at Blyburgate Hall in Beccles from 6-8pm and also at Reydon Sports and Community Centre in Reydon from 6-8pm every Friday evening.”
“I’ve had a great response from locals, very supportive.”
Jude’s Corner is funded entirely by Mr Rush and donations made by supporters via a JustGiving page.
More information about upcoming events, contact information, and links to donate can be found on the Jude’s Corner Facebook page.