Carla shares life through heartache

A TORBAY trainee counsellor who has suffered debilitating mental health issues and personal trauma has told the story of how she has turned her life around to mark National Stress Awareness Day.

Sanctuary Housing resident Carla Thompson was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2013 following the death of her seven-month-old daughter.

She couldn’t keep up with the payments on her flat, so she turned to social housing to provide a home for herself and her son, moving into her Sanctuary home later that year.

The now 34-year-old struggled to leave her house, suffering from anxiety and claustrophobia. Forcing herself out, she attended a women’s circle, run by community organisation Imagine and funded by Sanctuary.

Carla said: “That was the turning point for me. I got a little bit of confidence back and could progress at my own pace. ”

She recently completed a course to help become a counsellor, and secured part-time employment. She said: “It’s through the women’s circle that I’ve been able to find myself again and am moving forward.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have had another little girl, who’s now a happy and healthy one-year-old. I would love to become a counsellor and help other residents who have been through tough times.”

Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, Lynne Roberts, added: “Carla has gone through some devastating times, and to come out the other side with such a positive mindset is nothing short of inspirational.”

The Torquay circle takes place at Shekinah’s Endeavour House, in Union Street, every Thursday between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The Paignton group meets each Friday from 10am until 12 noon at Great Parks Community Centre. For information call 07818 167672.