Survivors Writing Group | Online peer-to-peer community for those who have experienced trauma
As writers who have experienced trauma, we often struggle to find spaces that create a safe environment in which to disclose and discuss themes of trauma in our work. We are often told our writing is too ‘dark’ and ‘depressing’ and advised to water-down our experiences to make them more palatable, understandable, or focused on eliciting empathy from those who don’t share our experiences. It becomes essential to find a space where we can feel confident to share our authentic selves, talk openly about difficult themes in our work, and discuss ways we have utilised writing to aid in our recovery.
These themed writing groups provide a dedicated space for you to make progress on your writing and develop personal connections with other writers. Discuss the world of writing, share things about your project, and socialise with those with a shared interest!
Defining Trauma
Trauma is caused by a diverse and immeasurable variety of experiences. Often overlooked are; the effects of discrimination and inaccessibility on those who are marginalised by society, the transfer of trauma through intergenerational wounds, rapid or significant life changes, complex and difficult relationships, chronic illness, bullying, poverty, and neglect. You will not be asked to prove or detail trauma in these groups.
Details
Fridays, 3-4:45pm | 6th June – 11th July 2025
Groups of between 8–16 | 1hr 45 minutes over Zoom | 6 weekly sessions | Free
10min arrival time | 30min breakout rooms in groups of 4-5 | 30min private writing | 15min break | 10min writing exercise | 10min whole group reflection and discussion
These sessions are UTC+1 [UK Time is either GMT, UTC+0 | or BST, UTC+1]
Book your free ticket here.
Access Narrative
Access Narrative provides low-cost international online spaces for writers rooted in accessibility, with aims to be; trans-inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly, and trauma-informed. We encourage autonomy, uphold anti-oppressive values, and strive to be non-hierarchical. These groups are led by Ennis Welbourne (they/them) a marginalised writer who uses their lived experience to help cultivate a safe space for writers to access community and support.
By signing up for an Access Narrative offering, you agree to follow our inclusion guide which can be found in the Handbook. Within, you can also find pictured instructions for using Zoom.
Your Facilitator
Ennis Welbourne (they/them) is a marginalised writer facilitating online writing groups under the banner Access Narrative. They work for London Lit Lab as Assistant Editor and are a Bath Spa creative writing graduate. They have been published in Transcribed an anthology of trans writing, the survivor writers' collection You Are Here, and in the upcoming anthology Queer Life, Queer Love 3 (November 2025).
Email: enniswelbourne@gmail.com
Testimonials
“This group has been a huge part of my development as a writer. It has cultivated a safe space in which for me to grow, connect and lay the foundation of a regular writing practice. As well as encourage me to be in community with people of similar and intersecting identities and experiences to my own.”
“I have found it incredibly grounding and inspiring each week to meet with trans (and disabled) writers of all ages and practices and backgrounds to reflect on our positionality and place in the writing world as well as in our own lives. I think the trans writers group is revolutionary in instigating a space for community care, self-development and uplifting the voices of marginalised writers in a real way.”
See all Access Narrative Testimonials here.