Sophie Andrews

Sophie Andrews has had a long journey to her recent position as National Chair of the Samaritans (2008-2011) – a charity she turned to during her darkest moments. A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie’s story is one of triumph over extreme adversity. Sophie this year received the Voluntary Sector Achiever of the Year award from Women in Public Life and has now taken on the position of Deputy Chief Executive at Wave Trust. Her book Scarred is currently being developed into a film.

Her story is harrowing yet compelling, and a truly inspirational account of overcoming the worst possible start in life.  She details this in her book Scarred. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that seemed comfortably off and perfectly respectable to the outside world. But behind closed doors, Sophies childhood was a living hell. Her father spent the next decade grooming her for abuse and when Sophies mother left for good, that very night, he told Sophie that from now on she would sleep in his bed. Unable to cope, Sophie spiralled into suicidal misery. She began to self-harm to try and escape the agony. But one day she went too far and at 16, ended up in a psychiatric unit. It was here that she finally confronted the horrors of home and began the painful journey of rebuilding her life. A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie now works with various charities and helps other young people in need. 

Sophie sees herself as a survivor and not a victim and she speaks with honesty and conviction about how she overcame adversity and turned her life around. 

SPEAKING TOPICS - Overcoming Adversity, Human Spirit, Listening, Courage & Self Belief    

Testimonials

“Sophie was fantastic, warm and engaging she really connected with the audience, taking them on a journey that induced both tears and laughter, an amazing speaker.” Vodafone

"Very Emotive. I feel Sophie is a very wonderful person and is an inspiration to how even the dreadful things life throws at you - you can survive. Samaritans