Motivated by love | Informed by research | Delivered without judgement | Accessible to all

 
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Our Story

Our Story

 
 
Lisa.png
Lisa.png
 

Lisa Owens, CEO

Hope was out of reach for me when I suffered with depression.

I remember feeling numb and exhausted, but never hopeful. I was in a deep, dark hole and I saw no way out. The thought of getting better was overshadowed by thoughts of survival - living one minute to the next. 

Eventually I battled my way back to health, with the aid of medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle changes. When I did feel like myself again, I was so relieved to experience life after depression that I thought my suffering, my battle and my recovery could have a  purpose. I wanted to share a message I didn't believe for a long time: you can get better.

This was in 2013 and over the next few years I worked with an amazing community of volunteers to create a course that would help educate and empower those suffering with depression & anxiety. I called it Hope in Depression. I have been well for many years now and believe that what I have learned through the development of this course has kept me well.

My purpose is sharing that hope and knowledge with the world. Depression is an isolating illness and I do not want anyone to suffer alone. It's ironic that our first response to feeling depressed is to isolate ourselves, when in fact community is the first step to recovery. Being open and sharing our experience can show us a light at the end of the tunnel.

As a team we believe that everyone matters and I hope you will see that for everyone: there is always HOPE.

Lisa Owens, CEO

Hope was out of reach for me when I suffered with depression.

I remember feeling numb and exhausted, but never hopeful. I was in a deep, dark hole and I saw no way out. The thought of getting better was overshadowed by thoughts of survival - living one minute to the next. 

Eventually I battled my way back to health, with the aid of medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle changes. When I did feel like myself again, I was so relieved to experience life after depression that I thought my suffering, my battle and my recovery could have a purpose. I wanted to share a message I didn't believe for a long time: you can get better.

This was in 2013 and over the next few years I worked with an amazing community of volunteers to create a course that would help educate and empower those suffering with depression & anxiety. I called it Hope in Depression. I have been well for many years now and believe that what I have learned through the development of this course has kept me well.

My purpose is sharing that hope and knowledge with the world. Depression is an isolating illness and I do not want anyone to suffer alone. It's ironic that our first response to feeling depressed is to isolate ourselves, when in fact community is the first step to recovery. Being open and sharing our experience can show us a light at the end of the tunnel.

As a team we believe that everyone matters and I hope you will see that for everyone: there is always HOPE.

 

October 2013

We run our first course! 4 leaders and 9 attendees. 

January 2015

We run our first course outside of our local venue in Egham at St John's - 29 people attend.

September 2017

We are now running the Hope in Depression Course in 5 venues and across 2 counties!

January 2018

Lisa closes her business to volunteer full-time as the CEO of Hope in Depression.


June 2018

Our 17th course has just been run successfully by a course partner.


July 2018

Hope in Depression is a registered charity!
 

 
 

Our Values




MOTIVATED BY LOVE

We are motivated by our own lived experience and have the desire to meet people's needs.




DELIVERED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT

Depression is never anyone's fault, no matter what the cause.




INFORMED BY RESEARCH

We believe in giving advice that is grounded in scientific research.




ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

For sufferers and supporters.