First-year Environmental Technology student Jonathan Grant wants to help others who struggle with mental health and addiction, while also saving the planet.
His passion stems from his own struggles after losing his mother to cancer at the age of 15.
“I often felt utterly alone,” he said. “It was a decade-long battle, and it wasn’t until I enrolled at Durham College and found myself grounded that I realized the power of breaking free from those chains.
Grant said going back to school was his way of “seeking a foundation to better the planet and address these issues head-on.”
He has created the FreeMind Collective, a website that encourages people to know they don’t have to face struggles alone and emphasizes their capacity to make positive impacts.
“Our mission is to connect with like-minded individuals who need help,” he said, “to let them know that support is available, and to empower them to make positive changes in their lives and the environment.”
Grant created the FreeMind Collective with the help of the FastStart Entrepreneurship Centre at Durham College, which supports and helps young entrepreneurs.
Sundar Manku, the manager of Entrepreneurship Services, said Grant came to FastStart a few months ago and showed his passion through his commitment.
“Any start-up in it’s early stages is heavily dependent on its founder and their passion and drive. That’s exactly what we saw with Jonathan,” he said. “In a short period of time, Jonathan developed a business plan, created his website, and more.
Grant has a plan and specific areas of focus to help individuals.
“We prioritize addressing alcoholism, mental health awareness, addiction stigma, and environmental sustainability,” he said. “These issues are deeply personal to me, and I believe addressing them collectively can lead to significant positive change.”
Grant said starting a business is not without its challenges.
“Everything’s been challenging, from networking to setting up the business while balancing my studies. But the support I’ve received from the college and the community has been invaluable,” he said
Grant says he wants FreeMind Collective to be more than just a support system.
“I want FreeMind Collective to be a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, showing them that they are not alone and that positive change is possible,” he said
FastStart provided Grant with supports with equipment, space and ideas.
“John received assistance with organizing a market for fundraising, access to A/V equipment including a GoPro, and help with his website with our collaboration with WIX,” Manku said.
He said FastStart will also help Grant incorporate his business and look for strategies to raise awareness.
Grant is organizing a fundraising event and is embarking on a cycling journey in June 2025 from Alaska to Argentina to raise funds to support his cause.
“And then, yeah, hopefully the sky’s the limit from there,” he said.