Mental health group is Fool of star turns
A mental health group that teaches people the performing arts has made a big impact across Lanarkshire.
Fool On was started six years ago by Wishaw man Stuart Doig after he couldn’t find any other similar groups.
Stuart, who suffers from anxiety, OCD and schizophrenia, now has a team of volunteers who run four groups a week across Lanarkshire.
The group aims to help people who have mental health issues by teaching them music, comedy writing and acting.
This idea came to Stuart after he used stand up comedy to help battle his anxiety and shyness.
Stuart, pictured, said: “We started Fool On after looking for similar groups and not being able to find any.
“We have a great team of volunteers who teach people various skills within performing arts, such as instruments and comedy writing.
“People can even come along and do some karaoke. The group’s aim is to use the performing arts to help people improve their mental health and their confidence.
“I have dealt with similar issues in the past and it was through comedy and the performing arts that I was able to gain more confidence.”
Fool On meet in Wishaw, Forgewood, Cumbernauld and Bellshill weekly and the groups are open to all.
They also hope to expand the service into other areas of Lanarkshire and run their own shows.
Stuart added: “We are always looking to expand and start more groups if the demand is there.
“We have our show coming up too at Club 100 in Motherwell at the end of June.
“This is a fun opportunity for our service users to showcase their skills.”