You performed in a showcase for Sound Vision. What was that like for you?

Anything I do, my mind will go to the worst-case scenario. In the build-up, I was absolutely bricking it constantly.

Then, when you’re in the moment, you’re not overly thinking about it because you’re focusing on what you’re doing. I was answering Dom’s questions rather than thinking about all the people there. I love the Paddington films, and I did name-drop them during the conversation with Dom.

One or two people came up to me afterwards. Someone just wanted to talk about the Paddington films, which really dimmed down that panic and worry about how I did.

The more I’ve done these things, the more it helps because you’re forming those skills and getting better. Sometimes, people just need that push.

What work have you done around mental health?

For the past couple of years, I've been doing a podcast called The mental health shelf. I invite guests to talk about five items or symbols which they believe have brought them joy, escape or have generally contributed to good mental health throughout their lives so far.

A lot of what comes up links to escapism, distraction, personal memories or having a physical outlet. Finding ways to perhaps understand or connect your emotions to something else – whether via a book or a film – that reminds you you're good at what you do and why you do it, or something that helps release what you might have been bottling up.

There are certain things that people have mentioned, not necessarily items but more points about their own attitudes and relationships to mental health, which I've taken away and have been useful.

What advice would you give to other autistic or neurodivergent people interested in working in radio or audio media?

If you’re looking for a way in, the community stations are great. Pretty much all community stations are presented and hosted by volunteers, who build up skills.

It can also help launch skills in other careers, not just radio.

What has been the long-term impact of being at Somer Valley FM? How do you feel about the future? 

I went there as the quiet, autistic child who was too afraid to speak. Now, I’m that still slightly awkward autistic person who won’t shut up if you talk to him about films; I was on BBC Somerset talking about the Oscars.

I don’t think I’d have the confidence to do all the film screenings and festivals I do if it weren’t for Somer Valley FM and Sound Vision. My show, and all the interviews I do for podcasts, wouldn’t have come about if I hadn’t found that voice and been told that I have something that’s worth saying.

With this year’s theme of ‘access to services’, what message would you like to share with other autistic people for World Mental Health Day? 

It's about knowing what helps you, no matter how small. What the outlets are that help you get through the day or a particular moment. That stops you from sitting and letting the noise in your mind get louder and possibly the better of you.

Sometimes, writing things down can help bring some order to the chaos in your head and make it a bit more understandable when reading it back, or you can just scribble.

Of course, talking to people around you about how you're feeling is a big help. It can be difficult to know what to say, particularly if you don't entirely know how to say what you're feeling.

Starting those conversations can be uncertain and scary. But I'm sure there are people around you who care about you and will listen if you need or want to talk about how you're feeling.

There are also plenty of mental health groups and services that can act as ways to remind yourself that you're not alone, act as a verbal outlet and potentially understand what you're feeling more. It's always worth looking up what's available near you or what services can help you depending on what you're feeling or your situation. It's always worth seeing what's available and what might help you and trying things out to see what outlets do and don't work for you. 

It all comes back round to that idea that you're not alone. That can be a big help when your mind can sometimes make you feel as if you're isolated and unsure as to where to turn. In those moments, the spark that tells you you're not alone can help you on that push towards those known outlets, services and perhaps, even just a little bit, clearing the chaos in your mind and bringing some calm.