About The Founder
FOUNDER, STORIES OF HOPE AUSTRALIA - WORLDWIDEKerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host, Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor.
After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous and since that day 40 years ago, has remained clean and sober.
Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast 17 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity in the community as well as private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor building connection and supporting people from all walks of life. In addition she has worked with many young people in crisis at different schools on the Sunshine Coast.
Along with her husband she founded a charity called “Streetlight” which ran for six years supporting the homeless and disadvantaged.
Four years ago Kerrie founded “Stories of HOPE Australia” a platform which runs monthly events bringing HOPE to the community and is now a published author having just released the second book in her, “Stories of HOPE Australia” series ‘Resilient People, Remarkable Stories’. When the world went into lockdown, Kerrie commenced “Stories of HOPE Worldwide” an online platform sharing stories of HOPE around the world.
Kerrie has also recently become a “Mental Health First Aid” trainer, helping people to recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and how to assist them.
In everything she does, her passion is to help prevent suicide and hopelessness and to bring connection and HOPE to people in times of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
Testimonials
“My family have known Kerrie for 4 years. I have 4 boys and my eldest son got into the drug scene and started being physically and verbally abusive to our whole family. Kerrie used her vast knowledge to help the boys through counselling, and when outside assistance was needed, she took the time to find the appropriate help for us linking us up with outside organizations to assist our difficult family situation.
I can’t thank Kerrie enough for all the help she has given my family.”
“After going through an extremely traumatic time in my life I lost hope of ever living a healthy, happy life where I would feel loved. Kerrie’s support was beyond helpful having someone I could trust in my life and talk to in confidence with zero judgments. Through regular counselling and guidance from Kerrie, I began to find self-worth and hope. I would highly recommend Kerrie to anyone struggling with any battles no matter how big or small.”
“Having been involved with Kerrie on a number of projects involving both children and adults I can say that she is one of a kind. Kerrie’s passion for helping people in society is unparalleled and something that I have not seen before.
Kerrie should be commended for her efforts and passion in helping people with addictions, mental health and suicide prevention.”
“My son had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and also anxiety for some time, he also was experiencing bullying at school … I took him to see Kerrie and my son has been stable and calm now for about 2 months, is quite an achievement for him! His anxiety attacks have diminished and he hasn’t had any suicidal episodes for 2 months after only 4 appointments.
I cant tell you how grateful I am for Kerrie and her love, wisdom, guidance and support.”