In a powerful collaboration aimed at amplifying stories of resilience and hope, Kerrie Atherton, founder of Stories of Hope Australia, has teamed up with Kintsugi Heroes, a platform dedicated to sharing stories of overcoming adversity.
This partnership marks a new chapter in Kerrie’s mission to inspire and heal through the power of storytelling, expanding her reach and strengthening her impact through the support of Kintsugi Heroes founder Ian Westmoreland and his dedicated team.
Kerrie’s own story of overcoming addiction, trauma, and personal loss has driven her passion to help others find light through their darkest moments. Her journey began in the world of addiction recovery, where she has been sober for over 40 years. Kerrie eventually founded Stories of Hope Australia, an initiative that started as a local community gathering and has grown into a movement that empowers men and women to share their stories of survival and resilience. The healing power of storytelling, for both the speaker and the audience, has been at the heart of her work.
Her recent collaboration with Kintsugi Heroes comes as a significant moment in her career. The two organisations, both rooted in the belief that sharing personal stories of adversity fosters healing and connection, are now combining efforts to reach a broader audience. “The partnership with Kintsugi Heroes means the world to me,” says Kerrie. “For someone who has been working solo for so long, it’s incredible to have the support of a team that shares my vision. Together, we can reach even more people and change more lives.”
Kintsugi Heroes, led by Ian Westmoreland, has built a reputation for capturing and sharing inspiring personal journeys through podcasts, events, and online platforms. Their alignment with Kerrie’s mission was evident from their first interaction. Meeting through an online business network, Kerrie and Ian quickly realised the synergy between *Stories of Hope* and *Kintsugi Heroes*. Both platforms highlight resilience in the face of adversity and give a voice to people who have triumphed over personal struggles such as mental illness, trauma, and loss.
“Working with Kintsugi Heroes has brought new energy to my mission,” she says. “Together, we’re not just sharing stories—we’re saving lives.”
The partnership’s first major project is the launch of Kerrie’s new podcast, Humans of Hope, which is being produced in collaboration with Kintsugi Heroes. The podcast will expand Kerrie’s ability to share stories of resilience with a global audience, taking the healing power of storytelling beyond the Sunshine Coast community where Stories of Hope began. “The podcast is an exciting step forward for both of us,” Kerrie explains. “I’ve collected so many incredible stories of people overcoming challenges, and now, through *Humans of Hope* and Kintsugi Heroes, we can bring those stories to people around the world.”
For Ian Westmoreland, the partnership with Kerrie reflects the core mission of Kintsugi Heroes: to give people a platform to share their most vulnerable experiences and help others by doing so. “Kintsugi,” a Japanese art form where broken pottery is repaired with gold, symbolises how scars and imperfections can make something even more beautiful. The metaphor resonates deeply with Kerrie’s work, as both platforms aim to show that out of hardship can come hope, strength, and new beginnings.
This partnership is also deeply personal for Kerrie. Having worked in suicide prevention and mental health for many years, she understands the urgency of getting these messages of hope to those in need. “Through the stories we share, we want people to know they’re not alone, that there’s always a path forward, no matter how hard life gets,” she says. Her upcoming *Humans of Hope* podcast, produced with Kintsugi Heroes, will not only highlight stories of resilience but also provide practical insights on healing, growth, and mental health.
The collaboration is already yielding results. With the support of Kintsugi Heroes’ team, Kerrie’s Stories of Hope is expanding into new platforms, reaching a broader demographic. The upcoming podcast will allow both Kerrie and Ian to bring their shared mission to life in a fresh, engaging format. “We want these stories to touch people on a deep level,” Kerrie notes. “Whether someone listens and finds hope to keep going or gains the courage to share their own story, that’s the impact we’re striving for.”
For both Kerrie Atherton and Ian Westmoreland, this collaboration is more than just a business partnership—it’s a shared calling. As Kerrie reflects on her work, she acknowledges how much more can be done with the right people by her side. “Working with Kintsugi Heroes has brought new energy to my mission,” she says. “Together, we’re not just sharing stories—we’re saving lives.”
Through this collaboration, both Stories of Hope Australia and Kintsugi Heroes are making a bold statement: resilience is universal, and hope can be found even in the most broken moments of life. Their joint efforts stand as a testament to the power of human connection, and their shared mission to spread hope is stronger now than ever before.
