The group is warm and welcoming. It gives local accessible support which isn’t always readily available, and through guest speakers gives members the opportunity to learn more about their mental health and coping strategies that can help themselves and their families. The group is important because it allows for people to connect with members of the community and helps to destigmatize mental health, which will encourage more people to reach out for help.

I joined the the Mind Warrior Addlestone support group on 12 February when I attended an evening meeting in the Addlestone Community Centre for a presentation by a Wellbeing practitioner about the causes of trauma how to cope. There was a very interesting discussion and participation from those present, some of whom shared their own stories. I have since been to three further in person meetings in Addlestone and two online meetings – all of which have been well run, informative, extremely interesting and very helpful. Yoli also organised a Drop-in in the Addlestone Community Centre on Wednesday 1 April inviting her members and others including Runnymede councillors. This enabled people who may have been unsure about going to the in-person meetings to talk to Yoli and others. An example was a member who lived and worked locally and came along in his lunch hour and felt he would be comfortable in attending the next in person meeting at the Community Centre.

Yoli what an amazing lady there for everyone so kind. Helped me a lot. Met for a coffee was able to talk no judgement. And most of all does it for nothing. Deserves the best. A true inspiration for us all going through hard times. Everyone loves Yoli hope she grows into something special which she already is.

Yoli and Mind Warriors have made such a positive difference in my life. The group is incredibly supportive, and there’s a genuine sense of understanding and encouragement from everyone involved. Yoli puts so much thought into arranging interesting and meaningful talks that are not only relevant to mental health, but also really helpful in everyday life.

Everyone in the group is friendly and welcoming, which makes it easy to feel comfortable and included. It’s also helped me get out more and socialise, which has been so important for my wellbeing. The work Yoli does is truly needed, and it has a real impact—not just on me, but on everyone who attends. You can see how much it helps people, and that makes it something really special.

Yoli, puts her heart & soul in this community mental health group & reaches out to people who might get forgotten about.

This support group has opened up opportunities that are not currently available in the local community. Being supported by people with similar stories is really helping me to not feel so alone. Professional therapy through the NHS has its place but having a community support group allows me to connect with others and get a different kind of support. There are lots of tips and advice and everything is done in a kind and gentle way with no pressure to share your story. I am grateful to have found this group.

Mind Warriors is an incredible initiative, delivering support, community and immersive opportunities and experiences to help individuals reconnect to wellbeing practices, spaces to connect and support their mental health. It was an honour to deliver a session for them and the work is important to continue and grow.

Yolanda’s Mind Warriors group has been a huge help to me. I only became aware of it in the last couple of months. The meetings have been so helpful and I’ve learnt new ways of how to cope with my mental health and nervous system. Her WhatsApp group has been invaluable as when I, or anyone else is in the group is suffering in some way we have the support from others in the group chat as well as therapists who are also in the group. In fact, these meetings and the WhatsApp group have helped me far more than any NHS help I’ve had, as they’ve been treating me for the wrong things and medicated me for the wrong diagnosis too, not just that but retraumatised me with their ‘help’.

All I can say is that since i first messaged Yoli, she has made me feel very welcome to this group, and I hope to join them on their meetings soon. As a person with mental health problems, I feel encouraged and helped by the group already.