Meet Darren O'Grady Founder

Hello, I’m Darren O’Grady, founder of Hands On Minds.

For over 15 years I’ve worked as a nurse, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. My journey working children started at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I had the privilege of caring for children and families facing huge challenges. It was there that I first realised how powerful simple, human connection can be, a quiet chat while kicking a ball around the ward, a smile shared over a game, or the trust built when a child feels you genuinely see them. Those moments often spoke louder than any formal intervention.

In my clinical role I carry out assesments on young adults facing serious mental health struggles. Every week I find myself in conversations that need to be life-saving, because they are already at crisis point. What those experiences have taught me is this: if we can connect with young people much earlier, give them space to feel understood, valued and supported before things escalate, then fewer of those conversations would ever need to happen.

That’s what led me to create Hands On Minds. I know that not every child will sit comfortably in a room and open up to a counsellor. Sometimes the very idea of therapy feels overwhelming, intimidating, or even unnecessary to them. What children will do, though, is play. Whether that be through sport, music, craft, or adventure, while they’re busy doing something that feels natural and fun, the space to talk, share, and reflect opens up all on its own.

Hands On Minds isn’t about labels, diagnosis, or clinical treatment. It’s about creating safe, relaxed spaces where young people can simply be themselves. Where they feel confident enough to let their guard down and talk if they want to, or express themselves in other ways if that feels easier. My role is to guide gently, to listen without judgement, and to help them build the resilience and life skills they’ll carry with them long after the session ends.

I’ve seen first-hand that real human connection can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be real.

So whether I’m working in schools, youth organisations, or families, my aim is always the same: to meet young people where they are, with warmth, patience and fun and to give them the chance to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Warmly,
Darren