We often get questions about whether a person “qualifies” for the program, based on the type of abuse they have experienced and the age that it happened. Whilst we create an emphasis on child abuse, we understand gendered violence manifests in many ways and throughout our lives. We have people in our program who have experienced abuse in their teens, along with domestic violence scenarios, alongside those who have suffered abuse in their childhood through family, networks, institutions or other instances. It is important to note we do not censor in this workshop, nor do we put a value judgement on people’s trauma experiences.

Our programs run for 8 weeks. 2.5 hours each week unless specified. We ensure privacy in the gym spaces we use. Our programs are currently held in Melbourne metropolitan area.

Our 8 week program costs $400 per person. Payment is due in full one week before the program starts.

Our program welcomes survivors facing financial barriers. In our Expression of Interest Form, we have a section where you can set your price, aligning with your means and program value. If you can, the sustainable cost to the program cost is $400.

Week 1 is the introduction to the program. In the first hour, we start with introducing ourselves, you will get to know about your facilitators, we will establish group guidelines and work through a short handbook. Then, we will commence with a short writing prompt. The writing is free-writing, meaning you write non-stop until the timer goes off. Participants are then encouraged to share their writings. If we have time, another prompt is introduced for a shorter time length.

In the second hour, we move into the boxing part. We start with stretching and a warm up, followed by cardio and boxing drills. We end the session with stretching and a grounding.

Week 2 - 8, the program starts with a short 'check-in’ and grounding. We then move into the writing and sharing and then in the second hour, we move into a 45- 50 minute boxing drill, which consists of warmups, drills, partner work, bag work, cardio and impact exercises. Time is allowed for a cool down, stretching and ‘check out’ via a grounding exercise.

Each week is designed to progress on the last and the writing prompts are usually connected to the boxing training. Each session finishes with a cool down, stretching and grounding.

Every activity is aimed at expanding the survivor’s worldview. Our goal is to always inspire the individual to strive to express their trauma and regulate their nervous system safely and gently.

Each session, you will be required to bring along:

a journal

a pen

pair of boxing gloves (suggest 12oz from Rebel Sport or Kmart),

hand wraps

a towel

a water bottle

Optional: pair of boxing pads.

If you need any help getting these items, please let your facilitator know prior to the workshop commencing.

Not at all! Left Write Hook is not about being a great writer or boxer. You will however develop skills and confidence in writing and boxing as you commit to each week. People who join the workshop come with a range of backgrounds and skill levels and it is up to you to push yourself how you wish to in the areas of writing and boxing.

Left Write Hook is about learning to heal and recover from our trauma using writing and boxing as tools. We do not place a value judgement on the quality of the writing. Rather, the workshop is designed so that you feel empowered to write, share and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental way.

All of our facilitators have lived experience. They hold certificate 3 in group fitness or a certificate 4 in personal training, along with boxing coaching certification.

All of our trainers have undergone trauma informed group facilitation training.

What is unique about our program is that we are run by survivors for survivors. You can find out more about some of facilitators HERE. Specific facilitator information is sent out with our program registration packs.

Left Write Hook is currently looking for writing and boxing facilitators to help run the program in different gyms in Melbourne and around Australia. We recommend attending a program to get a feel as to what happens and whether it is something you wish to get involved in. Trainer Programs are currently being developed to help train up trauma-informed boxing and writing facilitators.

Left Write Hook adheres to specific training standards and you can express your interest HERE.

Your participation at each and every moment is up to you. Because the group size is small (maximum 8 participants), the program works best when people participate in both activities. This helps to build solidarity within the group and establish mutual trust and respect. There are always different prompts to choose from to offer a range of writing stimuli. Boxing activities can be modified to support your level of fitness and adaptability. To get the best results out of the workshop we encourage you to do both writing and boxing.

Our research shows that the combination of writing and boxing can reduce PTSD, depression, stress, anxiety and increase personal agency and belonging. Read our findings HERE.

Writing has long had therapeutic benefits and the writing component of Left Write Hook is based on the work of Pat Schneider and Jen Cross, who run successful writing workshops for people who have experienced trauma. Left Write Hook adapts this model with an explicit trauma-informed framework and introduces boxing as a physical and expressive activity to release any feelings that may have come up from the writing.

Writing about and talking about sexual abuse and trauma can bring up feelings of discomfort, emotional overwhelm, anxiety and more.

Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and only write and share what they are comfortable with. There is no expectation that you will need to disclose any personal information that you are not ready to. At the same time, the workshop is not censored, so please be mindful that you may hear emotional and distressing information. Support resources will be available via the program manual.

The program is recommended for those with a level of recovery and awareness of their sexual abuse and trauma history, with existing mental health & therapeutic supports in place.

All exercise can come with risks and so it is important to advise if you have any injury before you start training and to modify exercises that support and aid your recovery. There are physical risks with boxing which can include sore wrists. A warm-up and stretching can help to ensure you do not injure yourself. We always encourage people to go at their own pace and to adapt exercises to suit your ability.

We believe recovery is a continuum and that it is an ongoing commitment. It can be a journey that takes a lifetime, and we hope that you will continue to write and remain fit with us or throughout your daily life. Our team can support you to work with a trauma informed trainer who can help you keep fit and on track or you can sign up to continue on for another program.

For those that want to keep writing with other survivors, a closed social media group may be available to stay connected. Writing prompts will be shared as exercises, along with program updates.