To mark International Women’s Day (8 March), we are shining a spotlight on one of our many female volunteers, giving her time to support mental health in Hampshire.

Katie Anderson (42) has been volunteering with Solent Mind for more than 18 months, and with other mental health charities before that.

The mother of two explained that her own experience of anxiety is what first led her into volunteering.

She said: “After finishing university, I suddenly began experiencing daily panic attacks and memory loss, and just getting through the day felt overwhelming. I was off sick for a while, and volunteering helped me rebuild my confidence.

“During that time, I gradually learnt how to manage my anxiety, and, over the course of 2 years, I discovered how to persevere by using different coping strategies.”

It was when Katie later returned to studying, that she realised she wasn’t alone in her struggles, and this inspired her to support others facing similar challenges.

Katie added: “Anxiety can feel isolating, but talking to others and showing empathy makes a huge difference. I became friends with a girl who was living with an anxiety disorder, and that connection really helped.

“I wanted to help others and encourage them that they could feel better with the right support.”

In her time with Solent Mind, Katie has supported one of our groups for people experiencing stress, anxiety and depression, and has also led a creative writing group.

She said: “Both groups offer the chance for people to connect, share empathy, and talk through coping strategies.

“The creative writing group focuses on writing as a way of expressing emotions, which can be very therapeutic. It’s something that helped me in the past. I encourage people to write their thoughts down, and it has a noticeable benefit.”

Katie began writing poetry to support her own mental health and now has published her first book – ‘A route of hope’, under the name of Katie Ruth.

“When I first started writing poems, I never intended anyone to read them – it was just something that helped me when I was feeling emotional. But when a friend encouraged me to read one at an open mic night, a local publisher overheard, and I was over the moon when he offered to publish a collection.”

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, Katie explains how giving her time, has also made a big difference to her own life.

“I really enjoy volunteering, and love having the opportunity to share empathy and support others. It’s also great for my own personal growth – I’m building greater emotional intelligence and understanding more about my mental health.”

CEO, Sally Arscott, expressed her gratitude for Katie’s incredible contribution to Solent Mind.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to say a huge thank you to Katie and all the incredible women who are working to support mental health in our communities,” said Sally. “And to all the volunteers who give up their time to support Solent Mind – a huge thank you. We couldn’t do it without you!”

International Women’s Day is an annual awareness day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

To find out more about how you can support Solent Mind through volunteering, visit: Volunteer opportunities | Volunteer for Hampshire's largest mental health charity