"You'll find your way" - Navigating diagnosis, big life changes and breaking the silence around mental health stigma with Thomas and John

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome

Welcome to People Like Us: Mental Health Activism in Scotland. We believe that sharing open and honest conversations about mental health can help to reduce stigma. If you have experience of mental ill health, you’re not alone - you’re just like us.

Episode overview

Thank you for joining us for the FIRST EVER episode of People Like Us. In this episode our project volunteers John McVey and Thomas McCallum have an honest, entertaining and compassionate conversation about stigma, based on their own life experience.

They explore how stigma around mental ill health, disability and neurodivergence affects all aspects of life such as learning, friendships, work environments and finances. Although they are very open about the challenges of living with disability and facing stigma and lack of understanding, Thomas and John also discuss the positive opportunities which they've been inspired to pursue.

Content information

A note on the term Asperger Syndrome

Some people who previously received a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome continue to use this terminology to refer to themselves and understandably identify with the term. It is no longer used as a diagnostic term and is broadly accepted as part of autistic spectrum conditions. You can find about this more in this information provided by the National Autistic Society.

Potentially triggering topics mentioned in this episode

Brief mention of suicide
In depth discussion of Asperger Syndrome (see above)
In depth discussion of Parkinson's
In depth discussion of mental ill health and stigma

Follow Thomas and John

You'll most likely want to hear more from our podcasters after listening to this fantastic conversation!

Catch Just John's Jams show on Sunny G, and his weekly 90s and Noughties show on the Hospital Broadcasting Service. John is already a seasoned podcast host and you can listen to thought-provoking conversations with fascinating guests on his own podcast It's Just a State of Mind.

You can tune into Thomas's weekly Fabulous Friday show on Radio Parkies, as well as discover his fantastic music via his artist website.

Related links

Urgent Help

Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope – you don’t have to be suicidal.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call: 116 123
Text: 07725 90 90 90
Visit: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phoneline service for any individual who is experiencing low mood and depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.

Lines are open:

Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am

Follow Mind Waves on Instagram and at our blog

"Think small and achieve big" - How community activism can change lives, including your own! A conversation with Jade

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome

Episode Overview

Jade McDonald didn't intend to be a community activist, but her belief in everyone's right to thrive and live in dignity, has led her on an inspiring and fulfilling journey. Sometimes that journey is quite literal - jumping on buses across Paisley with essential items for families!

As the co-founder of Renfrewshire Helping Those in Need, Jade and her friend Amanda have helped hundreds of people to share household necessities and signpost support when it is most needed. She also works at the Tannahill Centre, where she is completing her Community Development degree student placement.

Maddy and Laura were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the Tannahill Centre and meet Jade. They have such a lively and inspiring conversation about community activism, stigma around poverty and mental health and the action Jade is currently taking on community wellbeing, particularly around food poverty and nutrition. If you need some inspiration to be the change you wish to see - this episode is it! Thank you so much Jade.

Content information

Given the nature of our podcast we often reference mental ill health. In this episode we also touch upon the themes of poverty and homelessness.