Write the Feeling

Joy, pain, awe, anger, frustration, sadness, nostalgia…

Masculinity can sometimes mean being numb to our feelings. Many of us have been told, directly or indirectly, to fight the feeling, to ignore it, to push through, to disconnect.

Join writer, facilitator and CSA Survivor Tom for a creative writing and collaging workshop where we will each unpack and explore how it feels… to feel!

What to expect?

In this 2 hour workshop, we will each use a mixture of images and text to create collages that reflect the depth of a feeling. We will then use these newly created masterpieces as source material for a short piece of creative writing or poetry. We will be working individually to create the work, before having time to share back to the group.

Tom says:

“I’ve always struggled to answer the question -’how are you feeling?’ In the past few years, I have used journaling, freewriting and poetry to help connect more to my emotions. I hope this workshop will offer other male survivors a space to explore feelings, using a mix of words and images and some gentle writing prompts.”

Some good things to know about the workshop:

• Everything will be optional!
• There will be a female wellbeing support worker in the session.
• There will be chilled, background music playing for most of the session. (Tom has ADHD and this helps him focus.) Feel free to bring noise cancelling headphones if you know this may be distracting for you.
• There will be a break in the middle of the workshop, tea, coffee, water and snacks will be available.
• Please bring layers as the space can be slightly chilly.
• We will have pens, paper and collaging materials available but feel free to bring your own too.

Who is it for?

This is a workshop for male CSA survivors and this is a trans-inclusive space. You are really welcome to bring along a friend, partner, or ally of any gender.

Any level, beginners and more experienced writers/artists are welcome.

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Venue: Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft,14 Hillgrove St, Bristol BS2 8JT.

Venue info and access guides coming in early January 2026.

If you have any questions, please email hello@vivgordon.com

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Part of 'UpFront Survivors Workshop Weekender', a free Creative Workshop & Events Programme for Adult Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), Friends and Allies, 6th - 8th February in Bristol, organised by Viv Gordon Company.

More project information via: UpFront Survivors - Viv Gordon Co