Founder helps women to push through mental health battles
WHEN it comes to supporting women experiencing mental health issues, Kylie Smith is there to offer a helping hand.
Rouse Hill
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WHEN it comes to supporting women experiencing mental health issues, Kylie Smith is there to offer a helping hand.
The Quakers Hill mother-of-two, is founder of Embracing Arms, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at offering support for women suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Mrs Smith started the organisation after facing post-traumatic stress and post-natal depression.
“It was after reading an article about Charlotte Dawson, that I felt it would be a good idea to set up a support group for women who suffer from depression and anxiety,’’ she said.
“Attempting to find support was a major hurdle for me.’’
Mrs Smith has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for continuing to overcome her own personal adversity through determination and strength of character and helping others.
She said as it is Mental Health month, this month, ‘’this nomination right now means so much’’.
The organisation started in June 2014 as a Facebook group.
“I got an overwhelming response about the need to set up a support group, so we had our first meeting at the Coffee Club in Norwest, where eight women turned up and it has just evolved from there,’’ she said.
She turned her Facebook group into a not-for-profit-organisation in March 2015.
Embracing Arms aims to prevent people suffering alone and show them they are worth fighting for through educating sufferers, carers and leaders in the mental health field.
“It has grown from strength to strength over the past two years and I feel so blessed to have met so many amazing women along the way,’’ Mr Smith said.
“We now have more than 1400 followers on facebook, more than 480 members in our online support group and have recently joined twitter and have high profile personalities whom advocate for mental health following us including Mel Greig, Marcia Hines and Andrew Morley.”
The biggest thing she is working on is the organisation’s Seeds 4 Hope project, which is aimed at creating positivity, hope and growth.
“The Seeds 4 Hope packs will be able to be purchased for $19.95 and include a growers pot, soil, sunflower seeds, personalised verse card and care instructions,’’ she said.
“They will be gift packed and sent with the hope the recipient can plant seeds, care for them and watch them flourish, much like ones mental health recovery journey.”
Later this year, she will also be launching Butterfly Day, which is a day to remember all those who live with mental illness and their recovery journey’s.
As Embracing Arms is a not-for-profit organisation, it is constantly seeking help for covering costs.
If you are able to make a donation or are a business that would like to get involved email kylie@embracingarms.com.au or visit www.embracingarms.com.au
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