Jot the robot was created back in 2017, by freelance illustrator James Garden, as a way of coping with depression and severe anxiety. James found drawing Jot the robot helped to express his feelings, and improved his mental health.
"When I started, I couldn’t draw, but kept at it every day, continuing to share my pictures through the name JG Mind Doodles via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sharing was scary at first, but it allowed me to make connections with more and more people, sharing our stories and building on our support networks whilst showing others they’re not alone with how they are feeling." James.
James joined Suffolk County Council's Engagement Hub team in 2022 as an Apprentice Children and Young peoples Mental Health Co-Ordinator, where it soon became clear that Jot the robot would make a fun character, that would provide the perfect opportunity to engage children in talking about their thoughts and the feelings and in understanding how to manage emotions.
The council and ICB are pleased to be able to incorporate Jot as part of their emotional wellbeing support resources for children and young people in Suffolk.
