Edge Hill University’s new Edge Ahead podcast continues with the third episode of the ‘What’s in Your Head?’ series on mental health through the inspiring story of Jake Mills, CEO of mental health charity Chasing the Stigma and the creator of the UK’s largest mental health support directory, the Hub of Hope.
In this candid conversation, hosts Chris Kirkland, former Premier League goalkeeper and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor, and popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts sat down with the man Davina McCall calls the “Dalai Lama of Mental Health” to explore Jake’s remarkable journey: from secretly struggling with depression to building a life-changing national resource.
Jake talks about how he spent his early adulthood struggling with anxiety and depression, without even recognising it, feeling that his internal struggles were simply “how he had to cope”.
“I started to recognise that I was reaching a point, the best way to describe it was like I was treading water. And so, it felt like a major effort every single day.”
Jake delves into the profound, dark moment when he was discharged from therapy, a process he felt was flawed and transactional, leading him to believe he had “played his card” for help and failed.
“I thought that the way I am feeling is how I am always going to feel because I tried to get help and it didn’t work. So, I thought ‘this is me now’.”
A crucial turning point for Jake was the incredible reaction from his girlfriend, Rachael (now wife) and parents, who rallied around him. This outpouring of non-judgmental support shattered his fear of rejection and shame, forcing his hidden struggles into the open.
The idea for the Hub of Hope was truly cemented when Jake decided to speak publicly about his experience. Despite initially facing mockery online, his story was shared by high-profile figures like Emma Watson and James Corden, opening the floodgates for people to contact him for advice.
Jake realised he couldn’t personally help everyone but he could create a bridge, a central place to connect people with the support they needed.
“It gave me a fire in my belly to say we need to change something, that was when I started to turn my life around. I was trying to use this as a purpose to try to make a change and make a difference.”
Hub of Hope was born from a simple list of resources Jake compiled in his bedroom at his mum’s house. The directory’s app and website fill the gap by offering localised, tailored support, moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach that he felt failed him.
During their conversation, Jake and Chris both describe the idea that men don’t want to talk about their mental health as a myth. They believe men just need a safe and non-judgmental space to do so.
Jake said: “As soon as you give people an avenue to talk about this stuff, people will take it. As soon as you let, particularly men, know it’s safe to talk about this, men will talk about it.
“Men do want to talk about their mental health, but we just want to know where we can. And any time I give a talk anywhere, there’s a queue of men waiting to talk to me about their experiences saying ‘we’re with you’ and ‘I’ve experienced this too’.”
Jake Mills is an award-winning stand-up comedian, mental health campaigner and was appointed CEO of Chasing the Stigma in February 2018. He has driven the charity forward to become one of the fastest-rising and most well-respected mental health charities in the UK.
Episodes of Edge Ahead, featuring expert guests and inspirational stories, are available to stream on Spotify and YouTube now. Whether you’re on campus or tuning in from afar, Edge Hill invites everyone to join the conversation.
Edge Hill University offers a dedicated student support service, providing mental health and wellbeing advice, as well as other help and support.
January 19, 2026
