To coincide with her national book launch, a Buderim author is bringing back an event where locals share raw and personal stories of overcoming adversity to inspire hope and connection.
Counsellor, mental health trainer and speaker Kerrie Atherton’s Stories of Hope Australia events are back next month and feature two local guest speakers who will bravely share their stories of conquering extraordinary odds and challenges.
Attendees will hear from locals Janine Curran and Joe Natoli, who will share their “raw stories from the heart” for about 20 minutes each, followed by a Q&A.
“Joe will share how hope came at an expected time when he was going through a stage when he was really discouraged by events in his life, some which were financial,” Ms Atherton said.
“His story is set to feature in an ABC art show too and is a powerful one.
“Janine will share her story of conquering the trauma left from experiencing a horrific family incident and then again when she was older. Her story is about coming out of that and becoming a mum herself and creating a great life for herself and family.”
The author of Stories of Hope Vol 1 and 2 said the aim of the event was to help people realise they are not alone in their struggles.
She had been running the monthly events since 2017, but she paused them during COVID because people were not venturing out.
“Now more than ever, community members can really benefit from the special thing that happens in the room at the events,” the ambassador for the FearLess PTSD charity said.
“During COVID, I had my own mental health rock bottom, as did millions of people around the world. But two things that kept me going was connection and having a purpose.”
“What people love is gathering together and there’s no religious, political or business agenda … it’s just humans sharing hope, inspiration and connection with each other.”
She said the response had been wonderful since the re-launch of the event because now COVID had simmered down, people were looking for connection again.
“We have so much uncertainty going on, especially with the financial world, and people are really struggling with fear and anxiety more than ever and with their mental health,” she said.
“As a mental health advocate, one in four are struggling with their mental health and one of the greatest things to help people with that is connection.
“Attendees can listen to others’ stories and they can know they are not alone in their own pain … that’s one of the greatest things a human can have – knowing someone else has been there before and walked out the other side.
“It is right there at that moment of clarity, that moment of multi-faceted realisation that hope, encouragement and lasting change is born.”
She said she planned to tour Stories of Hope Australia events nationally in the future.
“This event is for everyone as everyone can use a bit of hope and inspiration in their life,” she said.
Stories of Hope Australia will be held on Tuesday, May 30, from 6.45 to 8.15pm at Sands Tavern, Maroochydore. Tickets are available from A Night of Hope.
In Ms Atherton’s Stories of Hope Vol 1 and 2, six local male and female speakers from the past events share their stories.
Her latest book of the series, Lightbulb Moments, Stories of Hope Vol 3, centres around mental health among males and features stories of 25 men from Australia and around the world, told to encourage as many people as possible through uncertainty.
The book features the Sunshine Coast’s 22-year-old headspace ambassador and singer-songwriter Mason Hope and his determination to change the family rejection narrative for future generations.
Also featuring is former CEO Alex Gerrick; burns survivor Anton Guinea; Craig Humble, who had his lightbulb moment in jail; and Paul Beardmore, who found hope in his son’s smile following a horrific accident.
“It’s all about second chances and living beyond the shame and regret of the past,” Ms Atherton said.
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