The Veins of Gold Project: Poetry for Survivors

Aim

Join the Veins of Gold project. Pre-order the book or donate a copy to survivors of domestic abuse.

My story

I am a mother, a poet, and a survivor of domestic abuse.

During my own personal experience of coercive control and domestic violence, I found that writing poetry helped me to process what I'd been through, often leading to personal breakthroughs and vital revelations.

What began as a personal journey of recovery has grown into something much larger. By sharing my work with survivors both via the Community Connector programme at RISE and my online platforms, I realised that my story is mirrored in the lives of so many.

This is what led me to design my first poetry pamphlet - Veins of Gold - specifically crafted for women who are healing from toxic relationships. 

About the Pamphlet

This collection is a series of poems written from within the lived experience of domestic abuse and during the healing process. It is created for the survivor as a call to empowerment. 

The journey moves through six dedicated chapters: The Fall, The Trap, The Realisation, The Anger, The Rebirth, and lastly, Love Letters to the Reader. It comes with a thoughtful introduction and a foreword. 

It doesn’t shy away from the darkness of abuse, but it also focuses relentlessly on the light - reclaiming one’s identity, the power of boundaries, and the slow, beautiful process of 'coming home' to yourself. 

At its heart, this work is about finding the gold between the cracks of a life, rebuilding from the ground up, and the radical act of unlearning and relearning what love truly means.

My Goal

My goal is to get 250 copies of this pamphlet into safe hubs across the UK. I will be using a portion of the funds to send gifted copies to any survivors who reach out to me directly.

The aim is to create accessible and healing poetry that sits in the hands of survivors, for free. 

Feedback from Readers

"I wanted to reach out to thank you for your poem. It is so powerful. It has spoken to me and given me a strength I need right now. Is it available anywhere in hard-copy?" -  Reader of poem

"The book is breath-taking - you write so beautifully. And the analogy of Kintsugi is wonderful." - Early reader

"Absolutely loved it!! It had me hooked from the very first page. I love how you divided the chapters and the illustrations accompany the poems so beautifully. Amazing work!" - Early reader

"This deeply resonated with me. I think there's something in here for anyone who's been hurt in love." - Early reader

Why I Need Your Help

As a busy working mum, I am pouring my heart and (limited) spare time into this! 

I now need your help to cover the essential costs that will bring this mission to life.

The more copies I print, the better value the print run will be, so a large portion of any funds raised will go towards a professional printing service.

There are significant 'behind the scenes' costs to making a project like this sustainable for an independent poet like myself.

How You Can Help: Donate, Pre-order, or Gift

Your donations will fund:

• A Professional Canva Subscription:
  (£100 annually.) To fine-tune and finesse the design of the pamphlet and all resource materials to a high, professional standard.
• Professional printing: *
  The more I raise, the more value for money I can get on a larger print run. I want the pamphlet to feel high-quality for the reader.
• The 'Survivor Gift Pot':
  Funding the postage and packaging for survivors who reach out to me personally for a copy.
• Discreet Packaging:
  Ensuring every booklet is sent in plain, safe, hard-backed envelopes.
• Inserts for survivors:
  If requested, I'd like to include a useful resource sheet. I will need to cover the print cost of this.
• Admin, Logistics, and Digital Platform:
  Supporting the hours of work required to manage distribution and the digital platform, where I aim to offer the pamphlet going forward.
• Future work:
  Any funds raised beyond my initial target will go directly back into the project to ensure its longevity. I have other pamphlets in mind as well as a larger project, a Memoir-meets-Manual - something I've been writing for some time.

*
Printing Options
1.Saddle stitched booklets:

250x A5 44 page booklets, full colour 300gsm silk cover and black on white120gsm uncoated inners - £373.00
250x A5 44 page booklets, full colour 300gsm gloss laminated cover, and black on white120gsm uncoated inners - £398.00

Option 2, Perfect bound booklets:

250x A5 44 page booklets, full colour 300gsm silk cover and black on white120gsm uncoated inners - £511.00
250x A5 44 page booklets, full colour 300gsm gloss laminated cover, and black on white120gsm uncoated inners - £554.00

Rise Domestic Abuse Charity

Rise domestic abuse charity in Brighton works to support survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton and Hove, and is helping to identify spaces for the pamphlets to be distributed where they can be most accessible and supportive for survivors.

RISE is sharing fundraising insight and survivor‑led awareness so that this work reflects what the survivor community says it needs. 

Prioritising Safety, choice and autonomy

Choice and autonomy are a priority. The pamphlets will be available within women’s spaces, allowing them to engage in a way that feels right for them. A digital format will be available too, offering another route for survivors who feel more comfortable accessing the material online.

Transparency & Updates

I believe in full transparency with my supporters. Any funds raised beyond my initial targets will go directly back into the project - specifically towards increasing print runs of poetry and funding future workshops for survivors.

I will be providing regular updates here on the Crowdfunder page and via social media to show you exactly how your generosity is making a difference.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made