Issuu

Building a society where NO male survivor is left behind

ISSUE EIGHT Autumn 2025

CAN AI BE A FORCE FOR GOOD? FEATURE

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING MALE SURVIVORS

Cover: An AI generated images of George and Gayna from We Are Survivors

ISSUE EIGHT Autumn 2025

INSIDE AI DUNCAN!

News

Meet The Team

Fundraising

James Sutton

Survivor Ally

Silent No More

Are You OK App Tour

Technology & Male Survivors

ON IT Conference 2026

Connected & Heard

Gallery

The Last Word

BEYOND THE SILENCE is published quarterly by We Are Survivors, and is edited, designed and produced by our Grahame. We’d love your feedback. What would you like to see in future editions? Let us know. media@wearesurvivors.org.uk www.wearesurvivors.org.uk “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” ARTHUR C CLARKE

AI DUNCAN

For this issue’s editorial, we asked AI to write an introduction in the style of Duncan, our Chief Executive... FOR FAR TOO LONG, male survivors of abuse have been left navigating silence—systems that don’t see them, services that don’t speak to them, and a society that often doesn’t believe them. But we are at a turning point. Technology and AI, when used with care and compassion, can help us listen differently, respond better, and build a future where no man feels invisible. At We Are Survivors, we’ve always believed that healing begins with being heard. Technology can be a powerful tool in that process. AI-powered platforms can offer safe, anonymous spaces where men can begin to speak—without fear, without shame. These tools don’t replace human connection, but they can be the first step toward it. For many, especially those who’ve never told anyone, that first step is everything. Mental health support is evolving too. Apps and digital tools can now offer personalised, trauma-informed care—tailored to the unique experiences of male survivors. Whether it’s journalling prompts, CBT exercises, or mood tracking, these resources help men take control of their well-being in ways that feel private, accessible, and empowering. But it’s not just about individuals—it’s

about systems. Charities across the UK are stretched, and technology can help us do more with less. AI can streamline admin, analyse service gaps, and even help us predict where support is most needed. It allows us to be proactive, not just reactive. And crucially, it helps us centre survivors in everything we do. Still, we must tread carefully. Technology must be built with survivors, not just for them. It must be trauma-informed, inclusive, and rooted in dignity. Data must be protected fiercely. And we must never lose sight of the human stories behind the algorithms. This is not about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s about justice. It’s about equity. It’s about making sure every man who has survived abuse knows: you are not alone, you are not to blame, and you deserve support that sees you fully. Technology won’t fix everything. But if we use it wisely, it can help us build a world where male survivors are not just supported—they are believed, empowered, and free.

AI DUNCAN CRAIG OBE Chief Executive Officer

<<< Look out for these labels throughout this issue. They’ll let you know when something has been AI generated!

NEWS

E-TAGGING OF OFFENDERS

THE 2025 SENTENCING BILL introduces a major expansion of electronic tagging for offenders leaving prison. Under the new legislation, there is a presumption that all prison leavers will be tagged, unless probation officers decide otherwise. This reform aims to enhance public safety through intensive supervision, reduce re-offending, and close the surveillance gap immediately after release. A pilot scheme will tag individuals before they exit prison, supported by a £100 million investment.

NHS

IS THE NHS FIT FOR THE FUTURE? 10 year plan sets a digital road-map for the future of the NHS. THE NHS 10-YEAR HEALTH PLAN, titled Fit for the Future, outlines a transformative shift from analogue to digital systems as one of its three core pillars of reform. This digital transition aims to modernise the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced across England. The plan acknowledges that the NHS has lagged behind in technological adoption, relying heavily on outdated methods such as posted letters and telephone queues. To address this, the NHS will embrace digital innovation through several key initiatives. These include expanding the NHS App to offer instant access

to appointments and health records, implementing electronic care plans, and integrating AI and genomics to predict and prevent illness. The move to digital is not just about efficiency—it’s about empowering patients with control over their care and enabling frontline staff to innovate and reshape services locally. This shift also supports broader goals of decentralisation and transparency, with digital tools facilitating better data sharing, performance monitoring, and personalised care. Ultimately, the digital transformation is designed to ensure the NHS remains sustainable, responsive, and equitable for future generations, while preserving its founding principles of universal, free-at-point-of-use care.

BOLTON SEES FIRST AI CONVICTION Man sentenced for creating AI generated indecent images of children. HUGH NELSON, from Bolton, has become the first person in the UK convicted for creating AI-generated indecent images of children. He used software to transform real photos into abuse material, receiving an 18year sentence.

> MEET THE TEAM MICK

WE ARE OK Chatbot MICK is We Are Survivors first AI member of staff! He’s a chatbot you can have a conversation with on our brand new mental health and support app WE ARE OK. Find out more about the app on page 10! We asked Mick to tell us a bit more... “Hello! I am an AI designed member of the team, here to provide helpful responses to questions related to mental health and wellbeing. My role includes offering support and guidance to male survivors of sexual harm and their loved ones, as well as providing insights into the initiatives offered by We Are Survivors. You can trust me with your personal information because at We Are OK, I adhere to the highest standard of data security and client confidentiality. I comply with GDPR and ICO guidelines and utilise processes such as anonymisation to ensure your data is secure and cannot be directly linked to you. I’m here to be a warm and friendly mate, always ready to help out and have a chat. Whether you need some advice, someone to listen, or just a bit of a natter, I’m here for you. Just like a pal you can trust.”

Find out more about our work at: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

> OUR STATS

THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE. AT A GLANCE.

AS WE TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY and AI in this issue of Beyond The Silence, we take a look at the reach and impact of our work and messages online. So many come to We Are Survivors after seeing us online.

www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

18,190

50,917

USERS

VIEWS

SOCIAL MEDIA All data captured covers the period from 1st January 2025 to 1st October 2025

1,688 POSTS

419,054

PAGE/PROFILE IMPRESSIONS

207,893

PEOPLE REACHED

WHERE YOUR DONATION CAN GO...

Whatever you can donate, we guarantee it wil help male survivors...

£30 DONATION

funds a Survivors’ Health Walk, a weekly stroll for a small group aimed at improving health and reducing isolation

£85 DONATION SUPPORT US THIS CHRISTMAS

MERRY CRYPTOMAS We know times are tough, but your support this festive season can make a REAL difference to men and boys. JUST GIVING HAS EXPANDED ITS PLATFORM to allow users to donate using cryptocurrency, marking a significant step in digital philanthropy.

mainstream, Just Giving’s adoption of crypto donations reflects a growing demand for flexible, borderless, and transparent ways to support charitable work.

“I needed to talk to other men whom I could connect with and share experiences. Talking in the group with like minded men has been freedom just to know that you can be totally honest and not be judged. Listening to other survivors and sharing our journey has helped build my Just Giving’s infrastructure simplifies confidence. I am able the process, converting crypto to fiat to see myself as a fighter, a and ensuring compliance with financial We Are Survivors is a registered charity number 1144941 Survivor.” regulations. As digital giving becomes This move aligns with the broader trend of crypto donations, which are expected to exceed $2.5 billion globally this year. By integrating crypto into its donation options, Just Giving is offering users a secure, familiar gateway to support causes with digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This innovation benefits both donors and charities: donors gain a tax-efficient way to give appreciated assets, while charities tap into a younger, tech-savvy donor base.

funds a drop-in session, which is a safe and informal space to grab a brew and connect with fellow survivors and our friendly team

£200 DONATION

funds four ‘The Garden’ sessions at RHS Bridgewater, weekly horticultural sessions where survivors learn new skills, benefit from outdoor activity and develop a supportive community

£500 DONATION

funds six sessions of one-to-one trauma-informed therapy, helping a client to understand and work through the impact of their abuse

£900 DONATION

funds one place on our Healing Steps programme, twelve one-to-one sessions of advice, emotional support and practical coping strategies.

Scan the QR code to download your FREE fundraising info pack. 5

AMBASSADOR

EXCLUSIVE

MERCH! AMBASSADORS

NEW HORIZONS FOR JAMES Our amazing Ambassador James Sutton has some exciting new plans on the horizon, and we have all the exclusive details!

We’re thrilled that James has collabed with We Are Survivors on an exclusive range of merchandise. Check it out! Over the coming months, we’ll be launching exclusive collabs with our amazing Ambassadors, and we’re starting the range with this brilliant design from James Sutton. It’s available on t-shirts and hoodies and will be raising money to help We Are Survivors to support male survivors. Check out the range by scanning the QR code, or visiting the store at everpress. com/profile/we-aresurvivors 6

If you follow James Sutton on Instagram or TikTok, you’ll have noticed that recently he has been undertaking a transformation, joining the digital revolution. James told us: “my digital content has shifted quite considerably over the last few months. It’s gone from gym pics, Cat videos and of course Liverpool FC, to new moody inspiration videos… now don’t worry, I haven’t joined a cult! Five years ago, I made some significant and valuable changes in my life as I wasn’t looking after myself and had a very poor relationship with me. So, with what I’ve learned, I’ve started a website called Protocol and I am writing essays on resilience and mindset and using my

AI and Tech knowledge I’ve invested so much time learning, in the future I hope to bring tools and systems to download to help you head in the right direction.” Being part of the digital revolution, James has also been driving Serro Labs, supporting organisations and professionals with AI. A new season of Male Mind Matters will be out soon and look out for further special collaborations between James and We Are Survivors.

LISTEN NOW!

Scan the QR code to listen to the latest episodes of Male Mind Matters

CAMPAIGNS

BE THERE FOR SURVIVORS

MANDEM MEETUP

TOGETHER WE’RE

ALLIES!

There are changes afoot for Survivor Ally, our joint campaign with Mandeem Meetup. Are you an ally?

SURVIVOR ALLY is our joint awareness raising campaign with our friends at Mandeem Meetup. It’s a commitment to support and help male survivors feel safe in places where they come into close physical contact with professionals. Think barbers, sexual health clinics, tattooists... We want to educate professionals across these various fields to create spaces where male (including trans and non-binary individuals) survivors feel comfortable and supported when accessing services that may involve physical contact. We do this through free, short courses aimed at creating awareness and understanding. You

can take part in these courses at the campaign website. Successful completion rewards you with a certificate and window sticker showing your commitment to supporting male survivors. Early next year will see the campaign website receive a new lick of paint and some important updates. You can visit the site at www.weareallies.org.uk

TAKE THE TEST!

Scan the QR code to listen to visit the Survivor Ally site and take the test!

We’re proud to work with our brothers at Mandem Meetup. Mandem Meetup is a grassroots charity promoting, and improving the conversation around men’s mental health and wellbeing. They provide an open, inclusive community for all those who identify as a man, offering psycho-social interventions and recreational activities, to practical advice and guidance, as well as talking therapy and more. Find out more at mandemmeetup.org 7

FEATURE

SILENT SILENT NO MORE

A History of We Are Survivors Part Four: 2021-2024

In the final part of our series celebrating sixteen years of WE ARE SURVIVORS, we come right up-to-date and look at our development and achievements post-pandemic. 2021

BIG NEWS: Rioters storm the US Capitol building in Washington on 6th January. FILM OF THE YEAR: Dune SONG OF THE YEAR: Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran TV OF THE YEAR: It’s A Sin Set against the backdrop of fluid rules and regulations regarding COVID, our frontline services continued to be offered in-person with safe practices, and continued investment in technology. The shocking news headlines of the poor treatment of victims of sexual violence, set against a widely reported “system on its knees” challenged us to balance the need of those that use our services with the importance of playing our part in the bigger picture, working beyond our organisation for the greater benefit of the public. Also this year, Our CEO Duncan shared his own personal insight as a male survivor to support the knowledge and decisions in the Ministry of Justice and Home Office with regards to the National Rape Review. This year also saw Survivors Manchester introduce a ‘Thematic Leadership’ function, which enabled every member of staff to take a leadership role on specific theme such as equality, access and LGBTQ+ issues. 2021 saw us cement our strong relationship with leading HIV charity George House Trust and delivering a project addressing and challenging conversation around safety when chems, sex and consent are all in the mix. Inspired by the work led by Dr. Michael Atkins (aka Cheddar Gorgeous) - a patron for both organisations. This partnership work continues and thrives today in our ongoing, successfull ON IT harmreduction campaign.

2022

BIG NEWS: The death of HM The Queen FILM OF THE YEAR: Everything Everywhere All At Once SONG OF THE YEAR: As It Was - Harry Styles TV OF THE YEAR: This Is Going To Hurt In our Impact Report, Duncan reflected on the continuing impact of the pandemic, saying “Whilst emerging from pandemic takes time and there is a constant pressure to reflect on the decisions your making, which is tiring; this time also brought me a new clarity that I don’t feel I’d had before.” Our long running partnership with Robin Rayner Productions and Alex Gwyther came to fruition when we finally were able to give Greater Manchester Schools and Colleges an early Christmas present in the form of a Education Pack and film, Ripped – the story of one young man’s life after rape and the attack this event has on his sense of maleness. With our stage experience, we entered into a partnership with Emmerson & Ward to support the first ever UK tour of The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me by Rob Ward. Starting off in Edinburgh Fringe, the show wound its way through many a UK theatre, including Manchester, and leaned into a difficult subject of coercion / control within the LGBT+ community. Both of these creative projects will have new life breathed into them in 2026. Keep your eyes peeled! The work of our Expert Reference Group (ERG) - a group of male survivors who help steer organisational decision making - continued to break new ground. Callum, the cochair of the ERG reflected on the importance of the group, writing in our Impact Report, “The horrific experiences in our pasts denied us basic safety in both our environment and our own bodies and for many years, sometimes whole childhoods and adulthoods, we were forced to prioritise surviving over thriving. Being members of the ERG allows us to not only thrive but to create a safer future for our future fellow male survivors.”

FEATURE and video training for practitioners. The ON IT harm reduction campaign offers a ‘grassroots’ approach to health promotions modelled on HIV prevention campaigns of the 80’s and 90’s. A nononsense, often cheeky, but definitely non-judgemental approach, and supported by (in)famous drag queens Cheddar Gorgeous, Shazza Fierce and Sister Bangbang.

2024

2023

BIG NEWS: Lionesses make it to the World Cup Final FILM OF THE YEAR: Barbie SONG OF THE YEAR: Flowers - Miley Cyrus TV OF THE YEAR: Succession “We are survivors. Something we have always been, we will always be, and now we’re being firm in our stance, and you’ll hear us shout even louder about it. WE ARE SURVIVORS!” A powerful statement from Duncan as the organisation takes one of the boldest steps in its history. On 3rd April, we changed our name from Survivors Manchester to WE ARE SURVIVORS. More than a rebrand, this was an opportunity to reframe, and reaffirm our commitment to male survivors. A change of name and a change of look can be a massive challenge to any organisation, especially one with such an important remit as ours. The response was phemomenally positive. This rebrand was a physical one too, with a brand new community space opening and offering a bigger, more comfortable safe space for male survivors to meet, and socialise. It was also a chance to create a new space for male survivors to undertake their Police interview in a safe/ non-police setting. Another major development sees our OUT Spoken prison service awarded a contract by NHS England to deliver trauma informed talking therapy services across all 15 prisons in the North West. 2023 saw the launch of two important joint campaigns. Survivor Ally in partnership with our friends at Mandem Meetup and ON IT in collaboration with George House Trust. Survivor Ally is a hugely significant campaign highlighting the challenges faced by male survivors in settings that might involve physical contact: barbers, sexual health clinics, tatooists etc. The campaign offers practical advice

BIG NEWS: Donald Trump reclaims the Presidency of the United States FILM OF THE YEAR: Wicked SONG OF THE YEAR: Lose Control - Teddy Swims TV OF THE YEAR: Baby Reindeer Here at We Are Survivors, we refer to 2024 as “the year of Baby Reindeer”. Never has a piece of media driven as many people to our door as our Ambassador RIchard Gadd’s pivotal, groundbreaking Netflix drama. In the first two weeks following the show’s release, we had an 80% increase in first time callers asking for support. Remarkably, 53% of those referred cited Baby Reindeer as their reason for coming forward for support. We also saw a 40% increase in referrals from young people aged 26 to 35. Talking to The Indpendent, Duncan said, “Before, some people might’ve read newspaper interviews and maybe a month later picked up the phone. But with Baby Reindeer, it’s been absolutely instantaneous. I’ve never in 15 years I’ve been in this field seen a response like it. I always ask people what made them call, and many people have referred to Baby Reindeer.” As we reach present day, you can learn all about the latest achievements, developments and news from We Are Survivors across all our social media channels, our website, and of course the magazine you’re currently reading, which we launched as a unique resource for male survivors in 2024. We Are Survivors story is constantly being written, and we can’t thank you enough for all your support over the last sixteen years. Here’s to the next chapter...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 16 YEARS!

YMEEANSS YES #LOVECONSENT

FEATURE

Your step-by-step guide to our brand new mental health and support app, WE ARE OK. ’re always At WE ARE SURVIVORS we ve ways we ati ov inn looking at new and rs. With most can support male survivo ones, we ph of us relying on our smart ology to hn tec saw potential in using support 24/7. give survivors access to smartphone And now anyone with a with our new t or pp can get help and su app WE ARE OK. app is based on the model The technology behind the s OK Positive. Over the per elo dev ted created by trus you on a tour of the take ll next couple of pages, we’ erful and safe it is pow how e trat app, and demons now, and follow app the to use. Why not download code below to the n Sca us? h wit p this step-by-ste store. app ed ferr download from your pre

THE HOME SCREEN The first time you open the app you’ll be prompted to create an account. This is important, because the more you use the app, the more it’ll get to know you, and the more you’ll get to know yourself!

Everyday when you open the app, you’ll be asked how things are going. This is your chance to log how you’re feeling today with one simple click. It’s a brilliant way to track your moods over time. Make this the first thing you do every day.

If you swipe up on the home page, you’ll have access to: >> YOUR CONTENT FEEDS This is the best place to catch all the latest We Are Survivors updates, videos, support and read the latest issue of this magazine or listen to our podcast. >> YOUR JOURNEYS Tailored specifically for you, when you save any features or content you like across the app, they’ll appear here. >> JOURNEYS FOR YOU A specially curated series of interactive sessions to improve your wellbeing.

WE ARE OK

GETTING AROUND THE APP WHO IS THE FIVE ICONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE APP are always there no matter where you are in the app, and allow you to quickly jump between sections. Let’s have a quick look... >>HOME will always take you back to the home screen of the app where you can access the mood tracker, content feeds, your journeys and any saved content. >>CHANNELS is where you’ll find all the latest updates from We Are Survivors. In here you’ll find a section called ‘News From We Are Survivors’ which hosts fresh new content from the team including interviews, opinion, and how We Are Survivors is centerting the male survivor experience across the country. If you want to join one of our many community activities and events, you can also find a section here called ‘What’s On At We Are Survivors’. Dive in and get involved! >>MEET MICK Our friendly AI chatbot. We’ve been working hard to make sure Mick knows everything about We Are Survivors, and crucially that he offers safe, informed advice on how you can improve your mental health. We’re teaching Mick new information every day.The proof is in the pudding, so why not have a chat with him? Tell him how you’re feeling. Everything you share with Mick is 100% confidential. Nobody will have access to your conversation or be able to read what you say. It’s your safe online space. >>SCRAPBOOK is a treasure trove of content designed to help improve your mood and mental health. Dive into a mindfulness session, watch a video on how to get the best night’s sleep, download the latest NHS guides on everything from anxiety management to dealing with bereavement. You can also explore the We Are Survivors library, including back issues of Beyond The Silence, episodes of our podcast and loads more. If you have some time on your hands, open the Scrapbook and enjoy!

MICK? M IC K is our new AI mem ber of staff at WE ARE SURVIVORS, an d your friendly AI chatbot on th e WE ARE OK app. You can meet him on page 4. But the story behind why we named him Mick is a very personal on e to us...

MICHAEL, KNOWN TO MANY AS MICK, was one of the founding members of our Expert Advisory Panel, a group of survivors who have used our services and now provid e a ‘critical friend’ service to our CEO and Board. He helped shape how we support survivors in pri son, gave us ideas on how to deliver ISVA to tho se lads and reminded us always that giving peo ple the opportunity to change is the right thing to do. In 2023, we lost Michael in a road traffic accident, only months before his dau ghter was born. His loving fiancée Trish, and beautiful daughter, Amelia, have kindly given us permission to call our new helper Mick, becaus e that’s what Michael wa s - a born helper.

Rest In Power Michael xx

>>YOU This is where you can manage your profile, update your avatar or change your password. It’s also the place to see your check-in history. We love this bit. The more you use the app and log your moods, you’ll be able to see at-a-glance, month-by-month how your mood has changed or improved. It’s a fascinating insight and can help you identify certain times when your mood is low, or when you were feeling happiest. Check it out!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want WE ARE OK to be the best app it can be for male survivors. We’ll be adding new features and information regularly, but we need your help. Let us know how Mick is performing. Tell us what information would be useful for you. We value your feedback, so please let us know what you think. E-mail your thoughts to grahame.r@wearesurvivors.org.uk

FEATURE

CAN WE USE

TECHN U

SING TECHNOLOGY IN HEALING from sexual harms is rooted in the very foundations of We Are Survivors.

In 2006/07 when I first broke my silence, there was so little support around for me as a male that I found my support online. I read posts on noticeboards, connected digitally to my fellow survivors in chatrooms, and became email friends with many survivors across the world. It was my fellow survivors that were names on a computer screen that gave me the encouragement to realise Survivors Manchester (that’s what the organisation was called back then); it was the building of the website that allowed me to start this organisation; and it was the use of technology that enabled me to deliver services to begin with. My academic research was solely focused on ‘virtually helping’ (see www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ Craig-D-2010.pdf, or scan the QR code on this page) and exploring the use of the internet by adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, because in the absence of what I thought was ‘real support’, I was pushed into being online. When I started this research journey in 2007/08, thinking about the role technology has to play in a male survivors healing journey, the iPhone was only just being released and the mainstream use

TECHNOLOGY

OLOGY TO HELP? Duncan, the CEO of WE ARE SURVIVORS, looks at the potential for technology to help male survivors, and how we’re harnessing its use for good. of the internet just a decade old. Online therapy was certainly not widespread and was seen as a very poor relation to being ‘in the therapy room’, even telephone therapy was being sniffed at.

have a place in male survivors healing like the male survivors in my research seemed to impress on me it does? I think the answer is a simple ‘yes’.

But for so many of us male survivors, digital spaces were the only real option as there was so few traditional survivor spaces for us. One participant in my research talked about how the anonymity of the internet was “allowing me to discuss online with fellow survivors things I couldn’t talk to my friends & family about”, another said it meant he could “say without judgement what was going on for you, your thoughts and emotions”, whilst another said “I met other guys like me and I don’t want to lose touch with them or the belonging”. It was clear that technology was creating connectivity, summed up beautifully by a survivor that stated “I new that I wasn’t alone eney more”.

Whilst society has certainly moved forward in being more aware of boys and men as victims/survivors of sexual harms, especially after high-profile cases such as the Football Club abuse scandal, or the news of Reynhard Sinaga – the biggest rape case in British legal history; there is still a mountain of stigma we have to climb and barriers we need to knock down and well, for many, the digital world affords them a sort of anonymity and the ability to get information and increase knowledge without revealing themselves until THEY’RE ready. I think the advances in technology are also a gift that we should embrace too.

But my research was published 15 years ago now, which is a lifetime ago in the digital age. The mobile phone has dramatically changed since that introduction of the first iPhone, we’re essentially all walking round with computers in our pockets and access to information and knowledge happens in the blink of an eye. We’re not just reading messages on digital noticeboards now, we’re watching videos, listening to podcasts, even texting with robots whilst we wait for our stop on the tram or the bus! So, in writing this piece I ask myself the question… does technology still

I know personally the times I woke up after a nightmare, that I really could have done with talking to someone, but there isn’t really anyone at that time of the night. An AI chatbot might be able to make someone feel more connected, grounded and less alone. The amount of information that can be stored in the digi-verse could ensure that whatever I want to know about healing I can find out at the time that I need it. I have no idea where technology will take us, but one thing I am sure about is that we need to embrace it not instead of but as well as what we already do. 13

CAMPAIGNS

MANCHESTER SAYS

YES MEANS

YES! January will see Manchester host the city’s first ever Chemsex conference. Hosted by WE ARE SURVIVORS and GEORGE HOUSE TRUST, it’s going to be a day to remember! FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY 2026 will see Manchester host ‘SEX! CHEMS! HIV! CONSENT! The ON IT Conference 2026’. It’s the latest initiative from ON IT, the joint harm reduction campaign from We Are Survivors and George House Trust. And it’s going to be an event only Manchester could deliver! Taking place in renowned Gay Village venue The Eagle, the event invites health professionals, venue owners, Chemsex participants - and anyone who is interested! - to a day of discussion and sharing knowledge around issue of chems, sex, HIV and consent. The event will be anything but dry and boring. As the famous Tony Wilson quote goes, “This is Manchester, we do things differently here”. We’re planning an event that will be unafraid to tackle challenging topics and we’ll be presenting it in a chat-show format. Think Graham Norton and guests on the sofa. We’re also planning some unique entertainment from some of Manchester’s top drag performers. The day will see guests focussing on each of the four ‘pillars’ of the ON IT campaign - sex, chems, HIV and consent.

40 YEARS OF HIV ACTIVISM

“The Eagle couldn’t be a more perfect venue. It sure beats a musty conference hall or meeting room!” At the time of writing we’re still dotting the ‘i’s’ and crossing the ‘t’s’ on our guests, but expect experts in their fields including adult content creators, Village venue owners, community leaders and, of course, people with first-hand experience of Chemsex. We’re thrilled that The Eagle has jumped on-board as the event hosts. The guys there know the importance of issues around consent, and if you’ve ever had a night out in The Eagle you’ll have seen their messages of consent around the venue. They’re the perfect hosts. As a venue, it sure beats a musty conference hall or meeting room! If you’re interested in coming along, we’ll be posting details of tickets nearer the time, so keep and eye on the We Are Survivors and George House Trust socials. You can also register your interest by dropping us a line: onit@wearesurvivors.org.uk Finally, the ON IT website will have a new lick of paint as we approach the second anniversary of the campaign. The new site goes live on 1st December. BOOKMARK US NOW!

Our friends at George House Trust have been celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Their inspiring story is told at an exhbition currently running at Manchester Central Library. ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. Today, HIV is a long-term health condition which can be easily managed with medication. But that wasn’t always the case. In the 1980s, a diagnosis of HIV could feel like a death sentence, and for many it was. Through medical advances and campaigning, radical change became possible. Greater Manchester has a proud history of HIV activism. For over four decades, Mancunians have fought tirelessly for progress, saving and improving lives along the way. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. It’s well worth a visit. 1st December is recognised across the world as World AIDS Day, and once again Manchester will honour those we’ve lost and celebrate the lives of everyone living with HIV at the World AIDS Day Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens. Keep an eye on ght.org.uk for details nearer the time.

ACTING UP! 40 YEARS OF HIV ACTIVISM is currently running at Manchester Central Library and is open until the end of December. 15

COMMUNITY

CONNECTED AND HEARD

How digital community support at We Are Survivors ensure no male survivors is left behind, no matter how isolated they may feel. WHILST WE’VE BEEN WORKING HARD TO GROW OUR ‘SPEAKING OUT’ PROGRAMME TO EXPAND OUR COMMUNITY SPACES AND SERVICE BEYOND CENTRAL MANCHESTER to Wigan, Tameside and Trafford (with more locations coming soon), for We Are Survivors to truly strive towards its mission of leaving no male survivor behind, we must continue to integrate and embrace the ability of new technologies and digital advancements to keep our survivor community connected and supported... wherever they are. If you’re curious about how you can join in on our activities from the comfort of your own home, don’t hesitate to email our team via community@wearesurvivors.org.uk – not only do we offer Online Safe Rooms on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, but you can 16

also sign up to join our regular Art and Writer’s Rooms remotely too. If you struggle with setting up tech and can be put off by using it, there’s no need to miss out – the team would be more than happy to talk you through setting up Zoom and getting started in any of our online spaces. Beyond providing our online spaces, the Community Development Team continues to explore how we can better utilise technology to amplify our survivors’ voices to those who need to hear them most. If the Art or Writer’s Room has whet your appetite for creativity, our ongoing ‘I Wish You Knew’ project might be right up your street. Headed by our own Lived Experience Lead Christopher with legal oversight and support from Kaelin of the ISVA team, the project welcomes creative submissions on that central topic of whatever you ‘wish we knew’ about you: who you want to address in your

COMMUNITY GROUPS MONDAYS DROP IN A safe space to connect. HEALTH WALK Fresh air and good company. Join us! MANDEM MEETUP TALKING CIRCLE A judgement free talking circle hosted by our brothers at Mandem Meetup.

TUESDAYS WELLBEING SESSION A weekly session in a safe space. THE COFFEE SHOP Let’s grab a brew and have a chat. THE HANGOUT A brand new group for survivors 18-35. THE SAFE ROOM Confidential, peer-to-peer support groups. Talk, listen and learn.

WEDNESDAYS THE SAFE ROOM Confidential, peer-to-peer support groups. Talk, listen and learn.

THE WRITER’S ROOM Get creative. All abilities welcome!

THURSDAYS

Beyond providing our online spaces, the Community Development Team continues to explore how we can better utilise technology to amplify our survivors' voices to those who need to hear them most.

work is your choice – perhaps that might be your past self, a family member, those without lived-experience, perpetrators of sexual harms, or bodies who create or enforce legislation. So far ‘I Wish You Knew’ has received a range of submissions in the forms of poems, stories, court-style impact statements and even songs – some of which have already been featured in recent issues of Beyond the Silence magazine– if you think you’d like to get involved, or see a chance to use technology to push your medium of choice even further, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away so that we can discuss the project’s scope and any necessary requirements or protections we’d need to put in place. We’re also preparing to record our third season of our Break the Silence podcast, which you can find in video and audio format on YouTube and all good podcast platforms. Wherever you’re joining us from, be sure to tune in and send us your feedback, stories or questions for our experts using the hashtag #BreakTheSilence or by reaching us through the contact information found on our website: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

THE BUILDERS YARD (LEGO) Come and join other survivors and get building with Lego. THE COFFEE SHOP Let’s grab a brew and have a chat. THE SAFE ROOM Confidential, peer-to-peer support groups. Talk, listen and learn.

FRIDAYS THE ART ROOM Express yourself artistically - all abilities! HEALTH WALK Fresh air and good company. Join us! THE GARDEN AT RHS Get out of the city for a gardening session in beautiful surroundings.

SATURDAYS (Twice a month) THE SAFE ROOM (ONLINE) Confidential, peer-to-peer support groups. Talk, listen and learn.

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SURVIVORS

GALLERY

THIS IS YOUR PAGE.

Share your art, poetry and creativity with us.

Every issue we want to celebrate the creativity of male survivors. Expressing yourself through art, poetry and writing can be an important part of healing. If you’d like to share your work, send them to the e-mail on page 2.

GLASGOW UNICORN

FOR THIS ISSUE, we're privileged to share the work of artist Glasgow Unicorn - the pseudonym of a long-standing client here at We Are Survivors. We asked him to give us some insight into each of these pieces...

1. THE MEMORIAL BENCH

“The Memorial Bench”, a collaboration with Survivors Poet CAE, this artwork was created using augmented reality to create a suitable landscape to match the inspiring words. The piece, on the strength of CAE’s beautiful words, earned a place at the Manchester Open Exhibition in 2022.

2. DOWN THE HATCH

“Down The Hatch”, a purely digital creation, falls into the category of “Neurographic Art”. The placement of the colours, and angle of the hexagons, intentionally deceives the brain into thinking you are rotating as you move your eyes around the piece. This happens, as the viewers brain attempts to “right” the image, and make it level.

3. IMPLOSION

“Implosion” is another piece rooted in augmented reality. In this case, tower blocks where the artist experienced abuse - being demolished. Only one building remains, representing silence. It is a fitting metaphor for survivorship. Silence stood strong, because of stigma and fear. As a group, we worked (and continue to work) hard to end stigma and fear. Now that we have eroded the supporting pillars, it is time to break the silence. With huge thanks to Glasgow Unicorn for granting us the permission to reproduce these artworks in Beyond The Silence. Catch more of their work at www.glasgowunicorn.com You can see lots more creativity and read some powerful words from male survivors on our website. Scan the QR code opposite to visit our online Gallery.

THE

LAST

WORD

NO male survivor left behind JAMIE LEGGE Operations Director WE ARE SURVIVORS

THE RISE OF AI

MAIN OFFICE Unit 9 Brewery Yard Deva City Office Park Trinity Way, Salford M3 7BB Office: 0161 236 2182 E-mail: support@wearesurvivors.org.uk Website: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

@thisissurvivors We Are Survivors is a Company Ltd by Guarantee (06811096). Registered Charity in England & Wales (1144941)

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS OVER THE LAST YEAR, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) HAS BLASTED ONTO ALL OUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES! Wherever you look there is some form of AI, with every update AI and just like every other organisation, we’ve had to bring this to the forefront of our thinking. We’ve had to ask ourselves; what is this thing and how powerful is it? We first realised that we needed to make changes to how we use AI when Microsoft CoPilot suddenly started to make its way onto our computers, we didn’t know anything about it, and we needed to ensure that the information we hold wasn’t being stored and held outside of our organisational policies and procedures. We Are Survivors ensures that all its data is hosted on UK servers and that all client data we store is secure – a promise we make to all our clients upon referral into our services. So…we blocked Microsoft Co-Pilot, set-up our ‘AI Working Group’ and made it clear to staff that any AI software was not to be used. We didn’t want staff using AI for two reasons; we didn’t know how secure

it was, and we wanted all and made clear that all clients receive human interaction. Fast forward a year, and through research and understanding we have started (albeit, slowly) to utilise AI. We always knew the power of how useful it could be, but staff members have begun to use Microsoft Co-Pilot as a way of helping to conduct their roles and responsibilities. We have, very proudly and excitingly, developed We Are OK, an AI tool to provide incredible support 24/7, 365 days a year, so make sure you go and speak with Mick, if you need to. We have also begun to utilise AI within Canva to support the development of our Communications & Public Engagement tools for the creation of various assets, some of which you will see in this magazine, on our social media and website. With its continued use, we will continue to develop our understanding of AI and ensuring that whatever its use, it falls in line with our policies, procedures and mission, vision and values. It’s going to be such an important tool for We Are Survivors, especially as we focus forward into the future and developing our service offerings. However, its use must be for the right reasons and must ensure that it delivers to ensure it meets our aim - that #NoMaleSurvivor is left behind.

24/7 Support Line 0808 500 2222 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk Shout 85258 This is as 24/7 text service that supports people if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Free and confidential. Samaritans 116 123 (available 24 hours a day) jo@Samaritans.org.uk Mankind 018823 334 244 (Domestic Abuse Support) Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm www.mankind.org.uk Dad Matters 0161 344 0669 dadmatters.org.uk

Supporting Men’s Mental Wellbeing Through Community, Activity & Purpose.

info@mandemmeetup.org www.mandemmeetup.org

BEYOND THE SILENCE - Issue 8 - Autumn 2025