Explore our History and Mission
Our Mission
Common Wheel’s mission is to is to improve mental wellbeing, increase skills and reduce isolation through the provision of supported, meaningful activities for people with mental illness and dementia.
Our Core Values are at the Heart of Everything We Do
We are here to make a difference. Above all, we focus on the needs of each of our participants and strive to support them to achieve the best life they can.
We value and respect everyone equally. Everyone has something to contribute and is welcome to be part of Common Wheel without discrimination. We treat people with respect and dignity.
We celebrate strengths, we nurture creativity and enjoy what we do.
We recognise that we are only one part of the landscape of support for people with mental ill health and we value the power of collaboration. We are committed and reliable partners – with our participants and with the other organisations we engage with.
Why Meaningful Activity Matters
People living with mental illness or dementia are often left out or forced to the sidelines. Common Wheel aims to change this by offering places where everyone counts and each achievement matters. Workshops can be practical, creative, or physical. What matters most is the chance to connect with others, learn something new, and enjoy a regular, structured activity.
Our activities are designed so people can keep coming back as often as they wish. There is no pressure to meet targets or compete. Our staff and volunteers are on hand with support if people want it.
We have seen first hand how these opportunities improve people's lives:
Our History
In 1997, the idea of using bicycle recycling as a form of occupational therapy was developed. Three people drove this idea forward: Colin Guthrie, a local GP, Alistair Wilson, a Consultant Psychiatrist, and Neil McDonald, who had a love of cycling. Their shared experiences showed that practical work, like repairing bikes, could support mental health as well as help people regain skills, structure their time, and meet others.
1997
Colin Guthrie, Alistair Wilson, and Neil McDonald develop the idea of using bicycle recycling as a practical and social way to support people’s recovery, create structure, and reduce isolation for those living with mental illness.
1999
Common Wheel secures its very first bike workshop space in Maryhill, Glasgow.
2001
In June, Common Wheel is awarded charitable status and registered as a limited company.
2004
Recognising the value of creativity, Julie De Simone and Alistair Wilson set up the music project (Polyphony). Starting with minimal resources, they started running music sessions on mental health hospital wards using music to enable self-expression and combat boredom and isolation which are experienced by many in psychiatric care.
2006
A second bike workshop opens in Bridgeton.
2015
On 31 March, Common Wheel becomes a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).
2016-17
A third activity was proposed and after successfully piloting a visual arts project, Carnival Club, was created. The group exhibited creations at events including the Glasgow Style Mile Carnival, Merchant City Festival, Glasgow Pride and Bearsden Mental Health Festival.
2018-19
Participants were interested in Common Wheel running a physical activity in addition to our mechanical and creative activities. One of our trustees (Judith) suggested that indoor climbing could be a good option and ran a pilot block. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the project still runs today.
After carefully listening to participants, staff and volunteers, we ran a pilot indoor climbing course. The response was overwhelmingly positive! This new activity helps people build trust, confidence and connection in a safe and inclusive environment.
2024
Common Wheel starts running a gardening project at Campbell House.
2025-26
Common Wheel launches a ‘drop-in’ programme of activities in response to participants wanting more activities throughout the week. These are open to anyone who feel they would benefit and no referral is required. Activities now run at Campbell House and The Nook in the city centre and activities include Tai Chi, song-writing, introductory languages, drama and creative writing.
Today
Today, Common Wheel supports hundreds of people each year in Glasgow. Through many different types of workshops, we remain dedicated to offering meaningful activity, improving mental wellbeing, increasing skills, reducing isolation, and celebrating every person’s unique strengths and achievements.