Our Story
What began as a vision in 2011 has grown into a lifeline for thousands across Essex.
Officially incorporated as a non-profit in 2015, founder Carla started delivering mental health and wellness projects in Basildon, Essex. As word spread and our community grew, so did recognition and vital partnerships. The dream of creating a dedicated community wellness space with a passionate volunteer team gradually took shape.
Our first HAPPY Hub may have been in a derelict bank earmarked for demolition, but it was a crucial step toward realising our vision. When it came time to relocate, Carla presented our work to Eastgate Shopping Centre, who immediately understood what we were building. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, they provided us with the initial opportunity to establish a proper one-stop wellness shop—bringing instant mental health support directly to the high street.
Carla’s clear vision and creative drive for health and wellbeing has led to her opening the UK’s first one-stop-wellness-shop, the HAPPY Hub.
Carla, the Founder and Managing Director of Motivated Minds, has made remarkable strides in promoting wellbeing across Essex, earning her MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours List and a British Citizen Award for Health in 2020 Through her award-winning social enterprise, she empowers individuals and communities to enhance their mental health. Carla shares her personal journey, valuable insights, academic expertise to inspire others to unlock the keys to a happier and life.
Hope and empowerment are at the heart of Carla’s work in which she uses positive psychology and coaching solutions to insight positive behaviour change. Carla overcome her childhood trauma and limiting beliefs, whilst balancing being a single mother of two autistic children. With first-hand experience she identified a lack of services and support which became the inspiration for Motivated Minds and led to her becoming a recognised advocate of mental health and wellbeing.