I’m Yoli, founder of Mind Warriors (Addlestone) CIC.

Above all else, I’m a mum to an incredible son whose creativity never ceases to amaze me. He has played a huge part in bringing Mind Warriors to life, helping with the design of our logo, leaflets and promotional materials. As a talented TikTok editor and creative thinker, he constantly inspires me and has helped shape me into the best version of myself I could ever have imagined.

I’m also incredibly lucky to have the support of my partner, who came up with the original Mind Warriors logo and continues to encourage and support my passion for the project every step of the way. His belief in what we’re trying to achieve means the world to me.

And then there’s Kobe, the baby of the family and the one you’ll often see in photos. He brings endless love, laughter and comfort into our lives and does a wonderful job of keeping us all grounded.

While Mind Warriors started with an idea, it wouldn’t be what it is today without the love, encouragement and support of my family.

My journey with Mind Warriors began when Yoli reached out to me on Facebook and asked if I would be a guest speaker at one of the groups. After a two-hour phone conversation, I was invited to deliver a talk on trauma and the nervous system something I had never spoken about publicly before.

That experience was a turning point for me. Seeing the impact that education, connection, and support could have on people’s lives inspired me to become more involved. As I got to know Yoli and witnessed her passion, determination, and commitment to helping others, I found myself wanting to support the incredible work she was building through Mind Warriors.

Since then, I have become a Director and volunteer for Mind Warriors, helping to support its mission of improving mental and emotional health within the community. Alongside this role, I am a trauma-informed coach with a passion for helping people understand the impact of trauma, the nervous system, and the patterns that can keep us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected.

Being part of Mind Warriors allows me to combine my passion for education, healing, and community, helping to create safe spaces where people can learn, connect, and realise they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

I started volunteering because I know how heavy life can feel sometimes. I wanted to be part of a community that brings support, understanding, and even a bit of happiness into people’s lives. Mind Warriors (Addlestone) CIC has created a safe space for people to feel seen and heard and I’m so proud to be part of an amazing team.

Supporting people has always been something I feel passionate about, both in my professional life and within my local community. Through my previous volunteer work with local charities and my professional work in safeguarding, I see how important it is for people to have access to support, understanding and somewhere they feel safe. That is one of the reasons why, when I was asked to become involved with Mind Warriors, I said yes.

I also accepted the role to become a Director, as I wanted to help shape Mind Warriors future and ensure it continues to grow and reach those who need it most. I believe everyone deserves access to support, and I wanted to use my skills, experience and enthusiasm to help strengthen Mind Warriors and make a difference within our community.

I am proud to be part of Mind Warriors, which is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space for community, where no one feels they have to face life’s challenges alone. I look forward to helping Mind Warriors continue to grow, support more people, and make a positive difference.

I met Yoli around four years ago when I was recommended to reach out to her for advice and support in getting the right help for my son. She was kind and helped me with filling out an EHCP too. Yoli had experience with this, and with her help, a lot of what I was dealing with became much less daunting.

Over the years, we have become great friends, supporting each other whenever we needed it.

When Yoli told me about her idea, dream and plans for what is now called Mind Warriors (Addlestone) CIC, I have to admit that at first I was worried for her, as this was going to take a lot of work and, at the time, she was not in a great place herself. What I have come to realise is that people find their vocation through all sorts of life experiences, and Yoli had to get to where she was for Mind Warriors to come to fruition. As they say, “Out of every bad situation comes a good one.”

I personally have a passion for helping others, whether that’s simply listening when they need it, offering advice if asked, or referring people to individuals I have met along the way who may be able to help them with a situation they are facing.

When Yoli asked me to be part of her vision and mission of improving emotional and mental health in our community by ensuring that everyone who needs it has a safe space to come to and be part of a community that supports and cares for people, she did not have to ask me twice.

To be part of this beacon of light that signposts people to the right place or person who can provide the specific help they need is a privilege. In the relatively short time that Mind Warriors has been a reality, I have become both a Director and a volunteer.

Yoli’s sheer determination and her “just get things done” attitude is truly inspiring.

My journey with Mind Warriors began when I met Yoli at a wellness event in Goldsworth Park. I approached her about becoming a volunteer and, within 24 hours, I attended my first Mind Warriors session in person. I instantly felt the warmth, purpose and sense of community behind the organisation.

I started volunteering with Mind Warriors because I want to support people and make a positive difference within my community. Having experienced anxiety throughout much of my life, I understand how overwhelming things can feel and how difficult it can sometimes be to take that first step and reach out for support.

In my full-time role, I work in animal rescue, so caring for others and creating a safe, supportive environment is naturally very important to me. I’m often told that I have a calm and gentle presence that helps people feel at ease. Long term, I hope to become an Animal Assisted Therapist, and my work with Mind Warriors is an important part of that journey.

I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Mind Warriors team. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the organisation has on the people who attend. Mind Warriors provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where people can build connections, develop new life skills and discover different ways of managing and facing challenges with their mental health.

Being able to play even a small part in creating that space for others is something I’m genuinely grateful for.

I became unemployed a few months ago and rather than feel down and hopeless, wanted to do something satisfying and useful.

I feel as though MW found me. I am thankful and for me MW has delivered on every level. Thank you Christine.