Fool On began with a simple idea - that creativity can change lives. What started as a small group of friends sharing music and laughter has grown into a supportive community that helps people across North Lanarkshire rebuild confidence and wellbeing through the performing arts.
Over the years, we’ve run hundreds of free workshops in music, comedy, and creative writing, giving people a space to express themselves, make new connections, and discover their talents.
Our journey is about more than performance - it’s about belonging, recovery, and proving that with encouragement and creativity, everyone has something to share.
Our Ethos & Approach
Creativity as Recovery
We use music, comedy and performance to inspire confidence
Community First
We provide safe, supportive spaces where everyone belongs
Empowerment
We focus on what people can do - not their challenges
Meet The Team
The people behind Fool On - dedicated to supporting the community
Stuart Doig
Board Member & Creative Writing
James Cowan
Board Member Karaoke
Robert Gillies
Board Member
Paul Mullen
Project Co-ordinator
Raymond Mearns
Comedy Workshop Mentor
Eve Brebner
Musical Instrument Tutor
Cara O'Hanlon
Volunteer
Louise Kesley
Keyboard Tutor
Jacqueline Conquer
Volunteer
Michael Muir
Volunteer
Yvonne Hogg
Meet and Greet
Mary McIntosh
Meet and Greet
Amy McManon
Volunteer
Graham Whitton
Volunteer Guitar Tutor
Brian Stewart
Volunteer Sound Producer
Awards & Recognition
Fool On is proud to be recognised for the difference we make across North Lanarkshire.
Our volunteers, staff, and community members bring creativity and compassion to everything we do - and their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
Recent Recognition
In 2025, Fool On volunteer Stuart Doig was honoured with the Provost Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to supporting others through music and creativity.
That same year, Fool On also celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of supporting mental health and wellbeing through music and the performing arts.
Together, these milestones reflect not only Stuart’s dedication, but the wider spirit of every volunteer who helps make Fool On a community built on recovery, confidence, and connection.
Community Impact
Real stories. Real change.
ROBERT – FINDING HIS FEET AGAIN
Robert joined our Comedy Workshop about 18 months ago at a low point in his life. He could feel himself slipping into depression and knew he had to do something before it got worse. He didn’t come looking to be a comedian. He came because he believed laughter might help. What he didn’t expect was how much courage it would take, or how quickly it would change him.
“I thought it would be like a classroom where you sit and listen, Instead, it pushed me right out of my comfort zone - in the best way possible.”
Through the group, Robert rebuilt his confidence, improved his mental health, and found a genuine sense of belonging. He’s since performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Glasgow Comedy Festival and is excited to do more.
CHUCK - BUILDING CONFIDENCE ON STAGE
Chuck joined the our Comedy workshop to work on his confidence. He’d always been shy around people and found speaking to strangers uncomfortable, let alone trying to make them laugh. Comedy felt like the hardest possible way to tackle that. Standing up in front of people he didn’t know and trying to get a reaction pushed him right out of his comfort zone.
“This brings you right out of your shell and forces you to speak up.”
What surprised him most was how much he enjoyed it. The workshops became something he genuinely looked forward to, not just for the laughs but for the challenge and the sense of progress. Now, Chuck feels more confident, more comfortable speaking to people, and proud of what he’s doing.
YVONNE - FINDING HER PLACE
Yvonne first came along as a guest, just to attend events. What started as curiosity quickly turned into something much bigger. After joining as a group member, she later became a volunteer, and she’s now been part of Fool On for around 10 months in total.
Yvonne lives with anxiety and other challenges, and for her, coming to Fool On has been genuinely life-changing.
“Coming here has been the best thing I’ve ever done, I honestly wish I’d joined sooner.”
The sessions have helped her confidence, her wellbeing, and her ability to connect with others in a supportive, welcoming environment.
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Supporting mental wellbeing and confidence across North Lanarkshire
