In the heart of Glasgow, Scotland, a beacon of hope shines brightly for trauma survivors. Thriving Survivors, founded in 2016 by Ashley Scotland, is not just an organisation, it’s a movement. Born out of Ashley’s own harrowing journey through trauma and recovery, Thriving Survivors has become a lifeline for over 2,000 individuals, offering a comprehensive pathway to healing and empowerment. This is the story of how one woman’s rebellion against systemic injustice has transformed countless lives.
A Journey Rooted in Lived Experience
Ashley Scotland’s path to founding Thriving Survivors was not a calculated career move. It was a visceral response to the systemic failures she witnessed, and endured, during her own trauma recovery. In 2015, as she emerged from her personal battle, Ashley was struck by a profound realisation: survivors of trauma were being systematically failed by the very systems designed to support them. They weren’t just slipping through the cracks, they were being abandoned.
“I wasn’t just an observer of these failures; I lived them,” Ashley recalls. “I saw how survivors were left adrift, without the tools or support to rebuild their lives. It wasn’t enough to offer temporary fixes. Survivors needed a holistic, transformative approach to healing.”
This realisation ignited a fire within Ashley. She knew that existing services, while well intentioned, often fell short. They offered superficial solutions for deep rooted wounds, leaving survivors trapped in cycles of pain and despair. Ashley envisioned something radically different: a “stage three” service that didn’t just acknowledge trauma but actively dismantled its grip, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive.
Building Thriving Survivors: A Baptism by Fire
In the early days, Thriving Survivors was a one-woman operation. Armed with nothing but her lived experience and an unwavering belief in the power of healing, Ashley poured every ounce of her energy into creating a service that was both compassionate and fiercely effective. She listened to survivors, adapted to their needs, and refused to compromise on her vision of providing the best possible support.
“It was a baptism by fire,” Ashley admits. “But I knew that survivors deserved nothing less than a service rooted in real world understanding and tangible results.”
As Thriving Survivors grew, so did its team. Ashley intentionally built a community of survivors, each bringing their own unique experiences and expertise. This wasn’t just about expanding capacity, it was about creating a space where survivors could find solidarity, strength, and shared purpose.
“Every member of our team has lived experience,” Ashley explains. “This isn’t just a job for us. It’s a mission. We understand the pain, the struggles, and the triumphs because we’ve lived them ourselves.”
A Holistic Pathway to Healing
At the core of Thriving Survivors’ mission is a holistic, four stage recovery pathway: mentoring, counselling, post-traumatic growth, and training/volunteering. This comprehensive approach ensures that survivors receive the support they need at every stage of their journey, from the depths of despair to the heights of empowerment.
“We’re not just filling gaps in existing services,” Ashley says. “We’re building a bridge to a new life filled with hope, resilience, and possibility.”
One of the organisation’s most impactful initiatives is the “Discovering Me” programme, which helps survivors rediscover their inner strength and voice. For many, this programme is a turning point. One survivor, who had endured years of domestic abuse, found solace in Thriving Survivors’ mentoring program. Through counselling and “Discovering Me,” they developed coping mechanisms, rebuilt their sense of self, and ultimately became an advocate for others.
“Witnessing these transformations is humbling,” Ashley reflects. “It’s a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassionate, survivor-centered support.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Building and leading Thriving Survivors has not been without its challenges. Securing funding, managing growth, and ensuring long term sustainability require constant effort. But for Ashley, the greatest challenges lie in confronting systemic issues. Thriving Survivors actively challenges the stigma surrounding trauma and advocates for increased mental health funding. This often means addressing controversial topics and pushing for services that may not be readily embraced by the public.
“We’re not afraid to question traditional approaches,” Ashley says. “We believe that pushing boundaries is essential to creating a more supportive environment for survivors.”
Despite these challenges, Thriving Survivors has made a profound impact. The organisation has transformed the lives of over 2,000 individuals, each story a testament to the power of resilience and community.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ashley is filled with a sense of purpose. Her vision for Thriving Survivors extends beyond providing services,it’s about
creating a world where trauma survivors are empowered to thrive. This means expanding the organisation’s reach, developing new programmes, and deepening its people-led culture.
“Advocacy remains crucial,” Ashley emphasises. “We need to continue pushing for systemic change and ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard.”
In the coming year, Thriving Survivors will launch the SQA Customised Award “Thriving Survivors Pathway Practitioner,” expanding its global reach. The organisation will also host its annual conference, “Lived Experience Across the Globe, Part 1,” bringing together survivors and advocates from around the world.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the field of trauma recovery,” Ashley says. “We’re just getting started.”
A Force for Change
Ashley Scotland is more than a leader—she’s a force for change. Her authenticity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to survivors have made Thriving Survivors a beacon of hope for those navigating the aftermath of trauma. Through her work, Ashley is breaking down barriers, building resilience, and empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive.
I am a passionate force for change,” Ashley says. “And I won’t stop until every survivor has the support they need to heal and thrive.
In a world that often turns a blind eye to the pain of trauma, Ashley Scotland and Thriving Survivors are lighting the way forward. Their story is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, hope and healing are possible.