Tanya Powell
Tanya had a turbulent and troubled childhood and, after leaving school, she spent five years working as an industrial machinist and two years working for the Royal Mail. Following the birth of her son, she suffered from postnatal depression and, later, from clinical depression. “Having experienced great difficulties in my life”, Tanya explains, “I started learning with my fitness and gym instructors’ course. It was of particular interest to me as I use exercise as a form of stress relief”.
She then went on to do a City & Guilds Level 2 course in understanding mental health through Pentreath Ltd’s ‘Success’ course as a way of improving her wellbeing and combining this learning with her fitness skills.
“The learning gave me the confidence and experience to start my journey on the path of employment, starting with volunteering …”, says Tanya, who now works with people who are recovering from mental ill health.
“Due to many negative experiences, I totally lacked self belief, but learning gave me the opportunity to change things. It has transformed my life and benefited the lives of myself, my son, my family and my friends. They have all noticed these amazing changes and are glad to see me so happy and full of life. I saw no future, but now I know I have a great life with a good future ahead of me”.
Last year Tanya was appointed as team captain, manager and secretary of league and cup double-winners, Falmouth Ladies Football Club.
