Our Team
Who We Are
Jamie MacLean
Founder of Mentor Scotland
My Journey
My journey toward creating this organization has been shaped by my personal experiences with mental health. After years of struggling to understand my thoughts and feelings, along with facing the challenges of depression and even contemplating suicide, I reached a point where I knew something needed to change. Thankfully, I’ve been able to find my way through, and I’m now in a much better place.
Why I Do This
I’m a father of three daughters, and more than anything, I want them to grow up in a world where mental health support is better than what we’ve had. My hope is that Mentor Scotland can help build that future by offering a space where people feel safe, heard, and supported as they work through their challenges.
Lived Experience
My early life left me struggling with self-worth and trust, which I masked for years through alcohol and recreational drugs. That experience led me to a lifelong journey of personal growth, and now I’m committed to helping others on their own journeys, through peer support and shared understanding.
During the first year of setting up Mentor Scotland, I learned more about my own mental health. Listening to others with ADHD helped me recognise familiar experiences, which led to my own diagnosis. I’m now also awaiting an assessment for dyslexia, which has broadened my perspective on neurodiversity and the importance of understanding how our minds work.
Growing Through the Work
I consistently seek out ways to improve my mental health and wellbeing, not only to be the best version of myself but also to ensure that others get the best of me as well. Even though there have been challenges, I strive to lead by example, showing that personal growth is possible and encouraging others to pursue better mental health for themselves.
Highlights Along the Way
There have been so many moments with Mentor Scotland that have meant the world to me. One that stands out was sitting down with Dumbarton Football Club players to speak about mental health on Mental Health Awareness Day. That same night, we were live on Lomond Radio—it was a real moment of reflection, seeing the impact Mentor Scotland has had on everyone in the room.
We were honoured to win Citizens of the Year at the 2023 West Dunbartonshire Provost Awards, which was a huge milestone.
In 2024, I was delighted to be awarded Third Sector Manager of the Year at the inaugural VIVA Third Sector Awards. I’ve also been nominated for Scottish Volunteer of the Year at the SCVO Charity Awards 2025—a huge honour that reflects the work of our team and the community behind Mentor Scotland.
