This presentation offers audiences a compelling exploration of the transformative process behind the grassroots project 'Left Write Hook' that has now become a film, charity, and medical research project. This initiative is rooted in the lived experience of childhood trauma. As an academic and a survivor, Dr Lyon has navigated the intricate intersection of personal healing and professional development, utilising creative practices to redefine narratives and resist the enduring impacts of trauma.

Left Write Hook began as a modest seed funding grant and has grown into an industry-facing feature documentary and a survivor-led charity. This narrative showcases the power of writing and boxing as instruments of empowerment and recovery. Writing has been a means to articulate and process experiences, while boxing offers a physical outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and building resilience. Supported by a community of peers, these practices have been crucial in Lyon's journey toward overcoming trauma.

In her capacity as a creative practice researcher, Dr. Lyon has employed a mixed methods approach to maximise the impact of her work. By integrating film, video diaries, quantitative data, and psychological qualitative data and working with researchers across disciplines, including lived experience researchers, she has translated research into practical, impactful outcomes. This approach has enriched an academic understanding of trauma and recovery and is a powerful case study of community engagement and support.

Through this presentation, Dr. Lyon underscores the importance of creative practices in trauma recovery and their potential to foster resilience and empowerment. By sharing her personal journey and the evolution of Left Write Hook, she aims to inspire others to explore innovative approaches to trauma recovery and research. Ultimately, this work contributes to a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of lived experiences, demonstrating how creative practices can pave the way for profound personal, academic and societal transformation.