Laura's Story
Laura has been involved with Trauma Healing Together as a client, fundraiser and Peer Group facilitator. Starting with the charity as a client, Laura was referred by another organisation who felt the trauma focus Pathways to Hope offered would suit Laura. Laura reflects on her experience, “I really benefitted from the counselling in understanding where some (not all) of my present issues are in life. Being in group made me understand a bit more about what I could and could not tolerate and I enjoyed learning about the photography”.
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After finishing her counselling, Laura very kindly wanted to participate in the Kilt Walk Dundee 2023, raising an incredible £1000 for THT. She then became involved with our Peer Group Facilitator program and co-facilitated a group. Knowing the nerves and anxieties joining a group can bring, Laura brought her own experience of this to the fore by supporting those in the group who needed it. She also gained a lot out of the experience herself, enjoying developing a bond in the group setting and loved watching the group members grow in confidence with each passing week. She also continued to learn about herself, “Knowing now (through an exercise we did) that my honesty and support is appreciated. It's very scary to begin with.” She would encourage those thinking about Pathways to Hope:
“Do it! You might not like every task but there are many things so you might like bits of one block and bits of another”.
As well as all of her fantastic work supporting the charity, Laura has also founded her own business – Solo Paws. Inspired by Laura’s realisation that being outdoors was beneficial to her mental and physical health, as well as her love of animals, she took the courageous step of getting back out into the world of work. Her service ranges from dog walking and sitting to dog chaperoning for weddings!
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Laura has made massive changes in her life over the last year and we have been humbled to watch her grow.
To sum up her thoughts on the charity in 3 words, Laura says, “Supportive and person-centred”
To find out more about Laura and what she does, visit her website here