Once a woman looking for support with her own mental health, Siân Thomas now runs the charity that helped rebuild her life, leading the way in providing help to women across Merseyside.
Two decades ago, Siân, now 47, entered the Chrysalis Centre, a charity dedicated to women’s mental health and domestic abuse support, looking for help to navigate her struggles.
As an unpaid carer, the stress led to a breakdown, and she was referred to the centre’s Confidence and Assertiveness course. During this time, she found a strong connection and desire to contribute to the organisation.
At the start of her journey, Siân focused on surviving each day, not envisioning a future where she would inspire countless others. Through the unwavering support and encouragement of the centre, she was able to rebuild her life.
Today, she stands as its CEO, living proof of the transformative power of the organisation and her unwavering determination.
Her rise through the ranks was driven by her passion for helping others and her ability to connect deeply with the women she helps.
She added: “Having once been a service user myself, I understand the challenges many women face, and that connection drives my passion for this work. Seeing women rebuild their lives, find their strength, and support each other is incredibly inspiring.
“It has also been a reminder of how far I’ve come in my own journey. It pushes me to keep advocating for more funding, better services, greater awareness, and a future where no woman feels alone in her struggles.”
Her autism diagnosis in 2024 has been another significant milestone, with Chrysalis providing unwavering support and enabling her to learn more about neurodiversity.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” she said, “and I’m honoured to now be in a position where I can lead this amazing charity into the future as it helps other women on their own paths to recovery and empowerment.”
A Commitment to Recovery
At the heart of Chrysalis is the commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where women can find their own path to recovery. “Recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about rebuilding confidence, reclaiming control, and feeling heard and valued,” Siân said.
The centre offers courses such as “Healthy Women,” which empowers participants through confidence-building and coping skills, and “Craft & Chat,” which promotes friendship and inclusion through creativity.
Additionally, their monthly “Menopause Meet-up” addresses the often-overlooked challenges of menopause, with many women discovering potential links to neurodiversity during this time.
Recognising the evolving needs of women, Siân is excited about the future. Chrysalis is launching online courses to reach even more women in need. “We want to expand our reach and make our services as accessible as possible,” she explains.
Their existing online course, “Journey Through Grief,” has already made a significant impact by guiding women to find their path through grief and helping them reconnect with themselves.
The impact of these courses speaks volumes. One woman shared, “The main thing Chrysalis has done for me is it has given me life. Before I started going, I existed, I didn’t really LIVE. I drifted along, I now have purpose.” Another expressed feeling “complete, integrated, empowered, light, liberated, heard, and seen.”
Moving Forward
Siân noted the change in attitudes over the past 20 years and a shift towards trauma-informed care, empowerment, and survivor-led services, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental health and domestic abuse support.
For the centre to grow and continue making a difference, she suggested that they need a combination of “funding, publicity, and community support”.
Plans are already in motion to establish a Community Interest Company (CIC), creating a trading arm to support the charity financially. With initiatives like their private counselling service, Better Life Therapies, and the development of online courses, Siân is committed to ensuring that Chrysalis remains a beacon of hope for all women in need.
Siân’s story is not just one of strength but of a deep commitment to nurturing a community where every woman can find her path to recovery and empowerment, feeling seen, heard, and valued along the way.
