She’s been working hard in recovery of complex depression, anxiety & addiction which has plagued most of her adult life. She is also a survivor of domestic violence.

She started coming to Soul in September last year. She made it up the stairs and to our door before turning around feeling “petrified”. This was one of the first times she had engaged in a public space in a “long time.” As she was turning around to leave, one of our floor team members saw she was struggling and noticed the camera hanging around her neck and started talking about all Tina’s photography.

The next day she came, she was able to make it into the dining room, seating herself at the table closest to the door “in case I had to escape.” She didn’t take a meal but had a coffee with us instead.

Since those first few days she has become more and more involved with Soul. She now comes every Monday for lunch and each Tuesday & Wednesday as a volunteer.

This is a massive effort after only 8 months ago struggling to leave her home as she battled depression. “My depression locks me away in my house. It’s been a hard life.”

Now as a volunteer, she states how Soul has completely transformed her life. “The lows aren’t as low, and the highs are even higher. A lot of good has started happening in my life and it’s all because of Soul.”

She has also been using her exquisite skills as a photographer as an escape and creative outlet. It helps her see her life through a different lense.

“My inspiration is my mental health and how it affects the things around me. I feel like a fragile person trying to live a normal life.”