A milestone for survivor-led research

Last weekend marked an exciting milestone for Left Write Hook as we officially completed our Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in partnership with the University of Melbourne.

Over the past two years, so many people have come together to make this research possible. Participants, facilitators, researchers, volunteers and staff have all played a part in something much bigger than a single program.

This study is one of the first of its kind to evaluate the impact of the Left Write Hook program using a Randomised Controlled Trial. The trial compared our 8-week writing and trauma-informed boxing program with trauma-informed boxing alone, helping researchers better understand the unique contribution of our survivor-designed approach to recovery.

Why does this matter?

For too long, survivors have had limited access to recovery options that are both evidence-informed and shaped by lived experience.

Research like this helps build the evidence needed to advocate for greater recognition, investment and access to trauma-informed programs. It has the potential to influence future services and helping more survivors access recovery pathways that are grounded in both science and lived experience.

For Left Write Hook, this is another important step in our journey. While we have seen improvement in the lives of many participants over the year, completing this trial brings us closer to demonstrating the impact of our work with measurable data giving us more opportunities to reach survivor all across Australia.

While the research team now begins the important work of analysing the data, today we want to pause and recognise everyone who made this possible.

To every participant who generously shared their time, completed surveys, attended sessions and trusted the process, thank you. Your contribution extends far beyond your own experience. By participating, you have helped build knowledge that may improve recovery options for survivors for years to come.

We are also deeply grateful to the incredible researchers at the University of Melbourne, our facilitators, volunteers and partners whose commitment, care and collaboration have made this possible.

We look forward to sharing the findings when they become available.

Together, we're helping build a stronger evidence base for survivor-led recovery and a future where more survivors can access the support they deserve.