My name is Yolanda, although most people know me as Yoli.

Having lived with my own emotional and mental health challenges for much of my life, I experienced one of the most difficult periods of my life in 2025. I found myself unable to work and struggling with the loss of meaningful purpose, routine and connection that many of us rely on.

As I searched for support, I realised there was very little available locally that offered the kind of safe, welcoming and understanding environment I felt people needed. It made me wonder how many others might be feeling the same way.

Rather than accept that this support didn’t exist, I decided to create it.

With the support of my family, Mind Warriors Addlestone was born. What started as a simple idea quickly became a growing community built on safety, kindness, compassion and genuine human connection.

When we held our first session in December 2025, I had no idea whether anyone would attend. Seeing people walk through the door and connect with one another showed me just how important spaces like this can be.

As the community grew, we began introducing structured emotional and mental health group sessions, mindfulness activities, guest speakers and nature-based wellbeing experiences. We also made our sessions accessible both in person and online so that more people could take part.

In April 2026, Mind Warriors Addlestone became a Community Interest Company (CIC), allowing us to continue developing and expanding the support we provide.

Today, our mission remains the same as it was from the very beginning which is to create a safe, welcoming community where people feel heard, understood and supported, and where nobody has to face life’s challenges alone.