Crafting Spirits and Support: The Impact of Community and Charity in Cameron's Distillery Journey

In this episode, Donna interviews Cameron McCann, a former police officer who served for 15 years before facing significant challenges that led to his medical retirement. Cameron shares his journey from the Metropolitan Police to Police Scotland, detailing the physical and mental health struggles he encountered due to workplace conditions and treatment. Despite these hardships, he and his wife June transformed their passions for whisky and art into a successful business, culminating in the establishment of Stirling Distillery. Cameron discusses the innovative pivots they made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including producing hand sanitiser and hosting virtual tastings.  KEY TAKEAWAYS After a challenging career in the police force, which included serious health issues and a difficult work environment, the individual successfully transitioned to running a family business, highlighting the potential for personal growth and new opportunities after leaving public service. The experience of mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, was exacerbated by the treatment received during the individual's time in the police force. This underscores the importance of mental health support within public service careers. Building strong relationships with supportive individuals, such as Gary Hayes from PTSD 999, played a crucial role in navigating personal challenges. This emphasises the value of community and peer support for those in high-stress professions. The business adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to produce hand sanitiser and offering online tasting events, demonstrating resilience and the ability to innovate in response to changing circumstances. The establishment of a charity gin, with proceeds supporting PTSD 999, reflects a commitment to giving back to the community and addressing mental health issues faced by first responders, highlighting the importance of social responsibility in business. BEST MOMENTS "I always say this, and we wouldn't be where I wouldn't be where I was today if it wasn't because of that." "I ended up getting arrested for fraud. I ended up getting surveillance on me." "I had a brain tumour. It wasn't cancerous or anything like that. It affected other things." "I would rather lose money than my word." "There is some very good people there now, but they're quite often hand-tied by the system, in my opinion." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.  She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.