Ollies random acts of kindness

The Tavistock and Portman’s THRIVE framework celebrated 10 years in November. The framework’s ethos of putting young people at the heart of planning and providing support for other young people, is everything that Ollies Random Acts Of Kindness embodies.

Ollies Random Acts Of Kindness (ORAOK) is a non-profit community interest company (CIC) helping young people to connect with each other and relevant services through a shared love of music.

ORAOK’s mission is to provide a platform for music lovers to connect and support each other through unique products and services. The project aims to spread positivity and kindness in communities, and they believe that by doing small acts of generosity, they can make a real difference. They offer advice and support around sexual health, substance misuse and mental health.

The question Oliver Burns (Founder, Director and Disability Lead) or Ollie gets asked a lot is “how did you get the idea to set up an organisation like ORAOK?”

“My own journey began after years of personal challenges, I was forced to leave my job, that I had worked so hard in recovery to get, due to physical health issues. I found myself at a crossroads. That’s when I made a decision that would change everything. I signed up with my local NHS to become an Expert by Experience. It wasn’t just about sharing my story; it was about making a meaningful difference. What I discovered was more than just a role. It was a calling. I loved being able to help, but I felt an even stronger drive to create more significant change. This passion ultimately led me to establish ORAOK, an organisation with a very specific and important mission”

Experts by Experience play a critical role particularly in mental health. They represent lived experience in discussions and are involved in decisions about how mental health support can be best offered to meet people’s needs. Their aim is to provide personalised and holistic support that improves the experience and quality of treatment and support for service users, carers and families.

Ollie says:

“By continuing to share, to speak up, and to challenge existing practices, we can work towards a mental health system that supports and understands the individuals it serves”.

Ollie, along with Directors Edie Fairclough and Riley Jenner presented at the THRIVE 10-year celebration outlining how the organisation collaborates with the NHS.

Edie, known as Vee who goes by the pronoun They/Them, is not just a director but also a young autistic artist, who aims to help others by addressing mental health issues, using their own experiences and alternative music and art as settings where they can make connections with other young people.

Vee says:

“I want to make a difference, and make safe spaces for the people that need it”

Riley, Director and web-designer says:

“I use my own experiences with mental health and being part of the LGBTQ+ community to make the lives of children and young people thrive. My skills in web-design and technology has helped me connect with other young people. I’m a music lover and with my team, we travel to music festivals to connect with other young people, where they are at, to provide mental health support”

Ollie concluded by saying:

“ORAOK is essentially a group of experts by experience that love music. We bring something unique and irreplaceable to the table. Our stories are not just narratives, they are powerful tools for change. We bridge the gap between professional understanding and human experience, providing critical insights that can transform services, training, and support systems”

Visit Ollies Random Acts of Kindness CIC | gigs | United Kingdom to learn how you can make a difference and create a kinder world.