Lisa Connolly, a poet, writer, counsellor and recovery support worker from Birmingham, is using her platform to spark conversation about the urgent need for change in response to the ongoing domestic abuse crisis that has reached emergency levels across the UK.
In a time when statistically one in five women are tragically murdered by their ex-partner, Lisa is raising awareness through her powerful new poetry collection "Built from Broken."
Her upcoming five-day book launch event aims to empower survivors and advocate for those who feel silenced.
As a survivor herself, Lisa found light through receiving support from We:ARE and The Freedom Programme, designed to help survivors reclaim their lives.
“When my husband left, he left us with nothing. I had my three heartbeats – my children and a glimmer of hope” Lisa explains. “We had no money, but I couldn’t let my children see me break even though I felt broken. I whispered hope to myself, using poetry as my voice when I couldn’t find the words. And that hope carried me through. Writing poetry saved me.”
Lisa shares. “I want my story and my poems to show other women that they are not alone, that they too can rise from the wreckage. Domestic abuse must stop. Too many lives are being destroyed. I want to help be the voice that demands change.”
Lisa emerging as a powerful figure in the Birmingham’s literary community has transformed her personal experiences of overcoming trauma, hardship and abuse, which has inspired her to use the arts as a platform for healing and change.
She has put together an inspiring collection of poetry that resonates with those affected by violence and oppression. "Built from Broken", a deeply personal exploration of survival, resilience, healing and empowerment stands as a beacon of hope, offering a voice to those who have been silenced. Her work has gained recognition with the Arts Council, The Freedom Programme, We:ARE and The University of Birmingham.
A devoted Aston Villa fan, Lisa hopes to one day collaborate with the Aston Villa Foundation to further her efforts in tackling domestic abuse and empowering survivors through her community work.
Recently, Lisa became involved with 1in3, a movement that uses the arts to help women heal from abuse. Her aim is to reach out to more women, giving them a safe platform for self-expression on their healing and recovery journey.
In honour of National Poetry Day 2024 Lisa Connolly has written a special poem that not only addresses the devasting impact of domestic abuse but also highlights the growing crisis for fuel poverty, which leaves vulnerable groups, including the elderly, struggling through the harsh winters without adequate heating
Counting on Us
When my world grew colder, I counted on the light
Three heartbeats beside me, guiding me through the night.
I counted on courage when fear gripped me tight
In the rhythm of hope, I fought with all my might.
On National Poetry Day, in a national crisis too,
What or who are you counting on? And is anyone counting on you?
Our elders, our women, and those living in poverty’s clutch,
The vulnerable among us are counting on us so much!
They’re counting on warmth while politician’s debate -
While promises are spoken, their delayed action is too late!
Those shivering in the cold, living below the bread line,
Their voices silenced, without a sign;
Their hopes crushed, dreams deferred, longing for a lifeline
While those in power discuss caps, they’re left to freeze.
They leave them wrapped in blankets shivering to their knees:
I refuse to accept a world this unjust
Where those who built our country are left in the dust.
I’m counting on you, on us, to stand tall,
To break the silence, to answer the call.
Remind the ones in power we will not fall,
They’re counting on our silence to soon fade
While I’m counting on change, on the noise that we’ve all made!
It’s time to stand up, raise our voices so loud!
For the elders who built this country,
For the women whose strength we should celebrate and be proud;
Counting on one another, let’s make them proud!
And it’s not just those affected by the energy crisis – its women survivors too!
One in five women lose their breath to their ex-partners
What can we do?!
They’re counting on us to break through the chain,
To stand for their safety, to end this pain.
In this national emergency, this is not something that we can delay,
Our hearts must ignite, we cannot look away.
So, I’m counting on you to help me with this fight,
Together we can all stand for what is right!
Let’s harness our power, unite for the cause
To lift the fallen, to rally and applause.
They’re counting on us to lead the way,
To push through barriers, come what may.
I’m counting on change and I’m counting on you
To stand with me side by side, power in numbers pushing through.
They’re counting on apathy, on us staying small,
I’m counting on us all to unite to break down the wall!
Politicians, can you hear the call?
Our elders, our women, our poor, they need us all!
Each life matters, each voice is a key,
Together we`ll rise, let`s set the oppressed free!
Our country is counting on you!
Please, it`s time to stand tall!
This fight is for us all, no one gets left behind!
It`s time to make a change, to be just and kind -
From the vulnerable left in the cold to the cries of the abused;
I`m counting on you, it`s time we all refused!
We`ll rise together, with our hearts on fire,
Fuelled by passion I`m counting on us all to reach even higher!
Whispering Hope
"I counted on hope to get me through", said Lisa. "And on my three heartbeats - my children. Now I want to use my journey, my voice and my poetry to empower other women. Domestic abuse has to stop, the vulnerable literally being left to the cold also needs to stop. We must never stop counting - on hope, on each other, on change."
5 Day Book Launch Event Details
Sunday 3rd November
Clarendon Hotel, 38 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton
6pm - 11pm
Monday 4th November - Thursday 7th November
1in3 Art Exhibition (funded by Arts Council England)
Mander Centre, Wolverhampton
10am - 5pm
