In Chris' words: "I've been there. I hit "Rock bottom".....and I managed to climb back out too! so I have a very good idea of what it feels like to be in that space. It can be a scary and confusing time, but a powerful "tool" to use against poor mental health is the power of human connection. A letter is a fantastic way to connect people and also the knowledge that another person wrote that letter with you in mind. Peer-to-peer support is awesome and can help you on your recovery journey."

Chris is passionate, a mentor and a leader. He is passionate about helping people struggling with their mental health get on the road of recovery using the power of lived experience and peer-to-peer support.His favourite things are: gaming, hiking, his motorbike, and his dog..."Spike".

Carly thinks the world needs more love less hate and division. The more connected we are the less we seem to be. If a letter can save a life, then she is all for it.

Carly is generous, caring and earthy, and is passionate about gardening, cooking and learning.

Her favourite things are the ocean, the mountains, animals and the garden.

Sam would like the opportunity to give back and provide hope for those that may need it in a time of need.

Sam is compassionate, kind and willing, and she’s passionate about being a better person, animal welfare and finding ways to make this world a better place for those in it.

Sam’s favourite things are being with her animals, being at home with her husband, reading, and getting crafty.

Jessica wants to spread joy and make a difference.

Jessica is happy, positive, encouraging and is passionate about life and love.

Her favourite things are writing, reading and laughing.

Sara wants to make a positive impact on the lives of others who may be experiencing challenging times. She wants to offer support, encouragement, and hope through heartfelt letters.

Sara is passionate , adventurous and ambitious. She is most passionate about family, health and fitness, and animals.

Sara’s favourite things are sports, traveling, photography and branching out of her comfort zone.

Tiarne wants to bring joy, happiness and positivity to a stranger as she thinks its the best kind of giving.

Tiarne is positive, motivated and passionate about family, friends, and bringing love & hope to people.

Tiarne’s favourite things are stickers, journalling, chocolate, reading and watching a good tv series.

Barbara has loved writing all her life. She has time and motivation to put some sunshine into the lives of others and knows that a few words can make a real difference to a day.

Barbara is observant, thoughtful and enthusiastic, and she is passionate about art, music and literature

Her favourite things are pets, food, knitting, patchwork and family history.

Kate loves writing handwritten letters and has been doing this with pen pals for years. Kate also has an interest in mental health and wellbeing, particularly supporting those who are over the age of 65.

Kate is caring, compassionate, quiet, and she is passionate about Aged Care, supporting anybody of any age who is less fortunate than her, animals and travelling.

Kate’s favourite things are walking (and she walks her dog every day), she likes to spend time doing activities such as painting, diamond art, reading, watching F1 and eating chocolate in some form every day.

Erin hopes that by sending letters to others that are struggling, she can help ease their minds a little bit.

Erin is compassionate, empathetic and kind , and she is passionate about her family, spreading joy and making people laugh.

Erin’s favourite things are crochet, knitting and paper crafts.

Julia loves the idea of connecting through letter writing and spreading positivity and hope to those who are struggling. She has loved ones who struggle and knows how important connection and understanding can be during hard times.

Julia loves to write and is passionate about mental health advocacy/awareness, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and creative writing.

She is compassionate, driven and creative, and her favourite things are: reading, writing, chocolate, live music, and spending time with friends and family.

Rachel wanted to help people with the power of words. She believes that a good deed goes a long way and to know she could help spread a little joy in this world would be a great satisfaction. Too many people are struggling and Rachel is fully on board with what Letters of Hope are doing to help.

Rachel is kind, caring and thoughtful. She is passionate about helping people, and her favourite things are: yoga, walking, dogs, animals, family, adventure, nature, reading.

Belle loves handwriting cards and letters. It brings a lot of joy to create something with love that will be sent to someone who needs it. Belle knows that it feels good to know that you aren't alone!

Belle is optimistic, quirky, and friendly, and enjoys long walks in nature, reading, and crafting.

Stefani was eager to become a Letters of Hope volunteer after hearing about us at an event.

Stefani is extroverted, chatty but serious too! She is passionate about contributing to her community and spending her time in meaningful ways.

Her favourite things are reading, cooking and traveling.

Rob loves the idea of handwritten letters and has started writing them to his grandkids. He knows what an impact they can have and said “if this brings hope and light to others in need then let's start writing.”

Rob is happy, optimistic and open. He is passionate about connecting with people, sharing our stories, writing and reading.

Rob’s favourite things are wood work, writing, reading art music singing, eating and movies.

After years of working in aged care, Debra was no longer able to do the physical work but wanted to continue to be connected to this wonderful community with her cards and letters.

Debra is happy, warm and joyous. She is passionate about card making and connection, and her favourite things are card making, mint chocolate, and her family.

Azenith became a volunteer letter writer because she knows what it's like to be in a dark place and believes in the power of connection and kindness.

Azenith is warm, open, and creative. She is passionate about community, art, nature, and spirituality.

Her favourite things are spending time outdoors, painting watercolours, writing and reading.

Tracy loves making cards for people who need a little uplift. So putting that and writing some letters of hope seemed to be a perfect fit together!

As someone who is creative, hopeful and respectful, Tracy’s hobbies and interests are many and varied including reading, card making, crochet, mixed media and spinning yarn. Tracy also loves to cook cakes and desserts.

Luisa is a relaxed ailurophile who wants to bring joy to the world, and is passionate about volunteering. Luisa’s favourite things are cats, sweets, dogs, fostering animals, and cleaning up the local area.

Savannah has personally experienced struggles with her mental health, many of which were caused by hardships in life and the lack of a support system, so she would love to help support others who are also going through these experiences.

Savannah is passionate, adventurous, and caring. She is passionate about supporting others and helping make the world a safer and more welcoming place.

Savannah’s favourite things are baking, her pets (1 dog and 1 cat), hiking, exploring the outdoors, listening to music, and watching T.V./Hulu/Netflix.

Abbey is a psychology student and works as a pharmacy assistant. She is passionate about helping people, with an emphasis on mental health.

Abbey joined Letters of Hope as she would like to give back to the community and be a part of a very important project as she finds that helping others in turn helps her to understand her purpose.

Abbey is kind, caring and thoughtful. She is passionate about helping others and studying to become a psychologist.

Abbey’s favourite things are: reading, everything Taylor Swift, binge watching Netflix, playing netball, making friendship bracelets, baking, and spending time with friends.

Rachel joined Letters of Hope to write letters to anyone who’s struggling. She has lived experience of mental health issues and disability.

Rachel works as an advocate for people with mental health issues, disabilities and also with those who are in the LGBTIQA+ community. She cares about people and wants people to feel less alone.

Rachel is kind, generous and creative. She is passionate about people, inclusion, diversity, and no one being left behind.

Rachel’s favourite things are her teenager, their cat, gardening, art and connecting with others.

Shirley is kind, caring and empathetic . She is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential no matter what age they are 😀

Her favourite things are supporting friends; sewing; patchwork; painting; photography; community volunteering.

Ailsa knows the value of kind words, written by hand onto paper. She believes it is a wonderful form of connection and hope, full of humanity.

Ailsa is calm, compassionate and gentle. She is passionate about running, yoga and nature.

Her favourite things are running, yoga, cosying up on the couch in comfortable pjs with a book, watching her favourite Australian Football League team playing (and winning). She also loves a good coffee and a bowl of warm porridge.

Donna has always worked in roles that provide support to vulnerable families and children. She is caring, loving and compassionate.

Donna is passionate about family and advocating for people who experience addiction. Her favourite things are spending time with her little grandchildren , watching romantic comedies cuddled up on the lounge with her hubby and two puppies, and going out for meals and swimming.

Jeanette moved to Australia 13 years ago from Wales. She and her husband missed home because they had spent most of their life there.

Jeanette has a nurse colleague who she writes letters to rather than send messages on facebook or send emails, as they both love sending letters.

Jeanette gets really excited when she gets a letter from her, so would like to send more letters to other people so they can also feel cared for.

Jeanette is caring, honest and empathetic. She is passionate about being a nurse and has always liked caring for and helping people.

Her favourite things are holidays, going out for meals and swimming.

Nicole wanted to write letters to make people aware a smile is out there.

Nicole is compassionate, kind and gentle. She is passionate about family and her favourite things are shopping and eating chocolate.

Mel is learning to accept her new normal. She recently started wearing clothing saying ‘be kind dear person behind me’. At first to remind herself to be kind to herself, but the outpouring from strangers has warmed her heart and is reminding others that need it and that means feel good chemicals for all!

Mel is empathetic, caring and logical. She is passionate about her family and social justice.

Mel’s favourite things are the beach and walks with her dogs (they don’t talk back)

Sarah likes put others before herself and make them happy and show them there is a positive side to the world, making them laugh and show there is hope and someone loves them.

Sarah is warm, positive and caring. She is passionate about helping others, music (she sings), climate and being positive and happy.

Sarah’s favourite things are salmon & salad, horse-riding, music (singing), reading and detective programmes.

Fran became a letter writer because she knows what it is like to think you are alone and doesn’t ever want anyone to feel that way.

Fran is passionate, loyal and loving. She lives to make the lives of domestic violence victims easier and encourage the law to use the full extent of their capabilities to stop the violators.

Fran’s favourite things are reading, her one day a week job, her dearest friends, her little dog and most of all her sons and grandchildren.