The survivor support group will take place fortnightly on Wednesday evenings (6:30-8:30pm) throughout term 2 and 3. It is run by experienced facilitators and survivor-activists from the Not The Only One Project, in collaboration with the SU and Enough is Enough. For now the group sessions will take place on zoom, but we might be able to change this to in person once the situation allows.

Who can join the group?
The group is open to SOAS students of any gender who have experienced any form of sexual violence, including sexual abuse in childhood. We aim to create a welcoming space for survivors with diverse experiences and actively endeavor to make the group an inclusive and accessible environment to those who may often face additional barriers to accessing survivor support, including but not limited to people with disabilities, men, LGBTQ+ survivors and people of colour.

What will the sessions look like?
Our sessions are usually a mix of some structured activities and more open time to chat with each other in the group. We might use creative arts therapies (such as art, movement, drama, and writing) and other activities, depending on what group members find most helpful. We will also share our knowledge on trauma and on the different things that can help us cope and heal. And, most importantly, we will make space for you to explore the things you find important and for the support you can give to each other.

How many sessions will we have?
The group will be a closed group. This means that once everyone has signed up and we start the sessions there won’t be any new people joining. To allow everyone to get to know each other and to create a space that feels safe and supportive, we ask group members to attend regularly. We will have 10 sessions in total, starting with individual meetings on the 19th of January and our first group session on the 26th of January, and finishing with our final session on the 15th of June.

How can I join the group?
There a still a few places free in the group. To join the group please sign up below and attend our next session on Wednesday 4th of May (6:30-8:30pm). Please note all sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings. If you like you can also book a time slot for an individual meeting with the facilitators before the session starts. This is for you to meet us and ask any questions, and for us to get a sense of who will be taking part in the group and what you might need from us in the sessions.