Free Creative Workshop & Events Programme For Adult Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse, Friends and Allies

UpFront Survivors is a pioneering, three-year programme of creative changemaking, designed and led by survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) and allies in partnership with frontline services.

An estimated 11 million adults – or one in six people – have experienced child sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK. CSA survivors lack representation on national and local platforms, as experiences of CSA continue to be hidden and taboo. Survivors live with ongoing silencing and censorship, and many are not able to safely self-identify or speak out about their experiences. Most have never met another survivor, so do not feel part of a community. Survivors of CSA do not have existing role models or cultural infrastructure, and our voices are omitted from diversity and inclusion discourses.

Using arts-based activities, the aim of UpFront Survivors is to work against stigma, silencing and censorship towards social justice, access and inclusion for the CSA survivor community.

We are celebrating the launch of this ground-breaking project with one of the first ever pop-up cultural spaces for the CSA survivor community, friends and allies, featuring a free programme of daily creative workshops and cultural events.

Unless otherwise stated, all workshops and events take place at PRSC.

All our spaces are relaxed environments, meaning you can move around the space as you need to during events and performances, and leave (and come back) at any time.

All events are free to attend but pre-booking is required for workshops due to limited capacity. Booking for evening events is preferred, although walk ups are welcome.

All workshops are open to adult CSA survivors, friends and allies aged 18+.
Suitable for beginners/No experience needed.

Programme

Thu 23rd March

1-2pm : HeART in the Body – A Harmony Singing Workshop with Niki Christiansen

This inclusive workshop will gently encourage anyone curious to come and raise their voices in song together.
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Fri 24th March

10am-12pm : “When I am old I shall wear purple” – Creative Writing with Katie

A colourful and friendly workshop where we will use words to get creative about who we are and who we’d like to be.
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1-3pm : Introduction to Cyanotype with Claire

** please note this takes place at St Paul’s Learning Centre!
Cyanotype is an historic camera-less photographic process. Learn how to create blueprints to take home by coating paper to make it light sensitive, placing items on top, exposing to UV light and rinsing in water.
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3.30-5.30pm : The Bouquet of Balm

Working with flowers, colour, paper & pen exploring together what has held us, guided us, been a healing inspiration in our lives & unique journeys. With Tegwyn Hyndman.
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Sat 25th March

10am-12pm : Introducing Drawing with Chris

During the workshop you will learn the basics of pencil on paper in a supportive setting. No experience necessary, just the willingness to give it a go!
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2-4pm : Inner Superheroes, Zebras and Giraffes with Susannah Eggar

This creative and playful workshop will take you on an imaginative journey, using writing, mini superheroes, plus zebras and giraffes.
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5–7pm : Healing Words – Poetry Writing Workshop with Clare Shaw

This friendly and inclusive workshop is facilitated by Clare Shaw, a poet, tutor and CSA survivor who believes that writing has the power to help and to heal. Discover how writing can help you to express yourself, to connect with others, and to find your voice. You may want to share work created here, or other work, at the open mic night later this evening.
Open to CSA survivors & allies (age guide 18+).
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8–9.30pm : Open Mic Night for CSA Survivor Voices – hosted by Clare Shaw

Come and support local talent at our supportive, informal open mic night that features the voices of the CSA survivor community. Everybody is welcome to come, listen to and support the performers. Performing slots are reserved for CSA survivors.

If you’d like to perform, come and share your work, at whatever stage it’s at, whether spoken word, song, poetry, creative writing or something else – we provide the mic, you provide the material. Show up on the night, or to guarantee a slot please email email hidden; JavaScript is required. Suggested 5 min slots, PA & mic provided.

Please also contact Tom via email if you have any questions about the event prior to performing, or if you have access needs you would like support with to enable your performance or attendance.
Age guide 14+
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Sun 26th March

10am-12pm : Vocal Improvising with Laura Iseley

A workshop exploring using our voices as instruments. After warming up, we will explore our voices in small groups and as one large group through a variety of exercises and stimuli.
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2-4pm : New And Improved Upcycling Workshop

Thinking about upcycling but not sure where to start or need a boost of confidence to get you going? Then this workshop is for you, with no prior experience needed, Natalie invites you to feel free to be creative in a safe and supportive space.
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5.30–6.30pm : Trigger Warning – Stand Up Comedy Show by Harriet Dyer

Harriet Dyer (as seen on The Russell Howard Hour) is an award-winning comedian, mental health advocate and an experience to behold. Here doth lie (fresh from critical acclaim of Edinburgh Fringe 2022) quite the harrowing tale, one you won’t forget in a hurry. Far funnier than it should be. Show running time: 1 hour (no interval).
5pm doors, 5.30–6.30pm show. Open to all (age guide 14+).
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An ABC of CSA (Art Exhibition) – varying opening hours

Fri 24th, 12.15 – 3.15pm; Sat 25th & Sun 26th, 12.15 – 1.45pm, and as part of any other ticketed event above.

Large prints of a beautiful set of illustrated alphabet cards, co-created with over 40 survivors and illustrated by Artist Imogen Harvey-Lewis to support better conversations about child sexual abuse. Open to all (age guide 14+).

Please check back for details on the workshop or follow Viv Gordon Company on social media. All events are free to attend but pre-booking is required for workshops due to limited capacity. Booking for evening events is preferred, although walk ups are welcome.

Viv Gordon Company:
Viv Gordon Company is a CSA survivor-led arts activism organisation. We creatively campaign for increased voice, visibility, community and leadership by, for and with CSA survivors.
www.vivgordoncompany.co.uk
www.facebook.com/VivGordonCompany
twitter.com/VivGordonCo
www.instagram.com/vivgordonco

UpFront Survivors is a Viv Gordon Company project funded through the Home Office Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (SVSCSA) Fund 2022/25. Developed in partnership with SARSAS and The Green House and evaluated by the Institute for Health and Wellbeing at Coventry University.