John Junior is a British mental health activist and Psychology student dedicated to challenging stigma and transforming how society responds to people experiencing mental health struggles.

He is an activist, not an influencer, he doesn’t chase fame or money. He chases one thing saving lives. Sharing his lived experience, he speaks openly about suicide, mental health, intersex, grief, addiction, identity, and recovery, offering hope to those facing their darkest moments.

Born intersex, John faced identity struggles alongside suicidal thoughts and self-harm from a young age. After the sudden death of his father, he attempted suicide through an overdose and was resuscitated. In that moment, he said to the resus nurse, he didn’t want to die, he wanted the pain to stop. That realisation became a turning point, inspiring him to transform his pain into purpose and dedicate his life to helping others so no one feels alone.

Over time, John discovered that supporting others also helped him heal. Guiding people through their struggles allowed his nervous system to recover after therapies that hadn’t worked. 

In 2019, he founded John and Charlie’s Journey, a mental health movement centred around Charlie, a teddy duck who comforted him in his darkest hours. Together, they have met people from all walks of life, including individuals actively planning to end their lives. Thousands have been supported in person, with millions more reached through television and social media. What began as a coping mechanism became a national campaign encouraging open conversations, reducing judgment, challenging stigma, and normalising adults carrying teddys or plushies.

John’s work has reached millions worldwide. He has appeared on Sky News, co-created and shared his suicide story on the BAFTA-nominated series Hollyoaks IRL, and campaigned to get 380,000 people off NHS waiting lists and into complex therapy. His on-going campaign to make all UK Police mental health first aid trained. 

A practising Buddhist, John incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and reflection into both his personal life and to others. He brings a unique perspective on identity, resilience, and overcoming obstacles, shaped by his experiences of loss, diagnosis, and activism.

Every morning, John reminds himself,  and the people he meets:"You are loved. You are wanted. You are needed. The mood is temporary."

Through John and Charlie’s Journey, he continues to challenge stigma, inspire hope, and save lives.

The root cause of our suffering is when we think, when we stop thinking, that is when happiness starts to bloom, we find peace.