Psychologist helps people discover happiness after the pandemic

Knutsford mum Ouissi Gresty has published a book entitled Sun Shining on Rain to give readers the chance to transform their lives.

The 46-year-old year helped to set up We are Knutsford, a pandemic support group, and listened to hundreds of people, providing a listening ear as they struggled through lockdown.

READ > White Bear will offer food and live music after £200,000 refurbishment

On a journey through the four seasons, she now shows how it is possible to make a fresh start.

"So many people told me they don't want to go back to the life they had before," said Ouissi, who has a master's degree in psychology and has spent many years teaching, speaking and writing.

"Many people were lonely and scared. It wasn't just the vulnerable and elderly, there were single parents on their own. I was by myself with my son Toby, it was hard."

In 16 days, during the third lockdown, she completed her book, taking inspiration from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Ouissi Gresty

"I wrote this book for all the people who sobbed their fears out to me, desperately needing hugs and not wanting to be locked down,"said Ouissi.

"It's a book of hope. I built it around the seasons. Winter is Covid and lockdown when we can focus on getting over trauma.

"In spring, we look at what we want to get rid of from your past life.

"In summer, you keep the garden going until you see the fruits of your labour. In autumn, it's about your dreams."

The strength and friendship forged by the support group during lockdown, she believes, has brought the town together.

"The amount of outpouring from the community was incredibly awe inspiring," said Ouissi. "Everybody got behind it. We don't want to lose that community spirit."

Her book has already won rave reviews.

One person said: "So fresh and positive, it's like reading a hug."

Another added: "It's such a positive, hopeful book. It takes something big, daunting and scary and breaks it down into friendly, management chunks and leaves you with a warm glow."

Sun Shining on Rain is available on Amazon.