The debut poetry collection by Lisa Connolly (pictured) is to be launched with Aston Society of Poetry on 27th November at Aston University.
Birmingham born Lisa, who is a qualified counsellor, recovery support worker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, has written a book titled Built From Broken which is not just a collection of poetry—it is the culmination of a journey of survival, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Lisa said:
"Over the years, I’ve faced unimaginable pain, from a violent relationship in my twenties to a decade of narcissistic abuse that nearly destroyed me. Yet through it all, I found the strength to rebuild my life, piece by piece, rising from the wreckage of those broken years. Now, as a qualified counsellor, recovery support worker, and advocate for domestic violence survivors, I use my story to help others reclaim their lives. This book is the voice I found along the way, a voice that I now share with you, hoping it might resonate with those who feel trapped in darkness, unsure of the way forward.
Each of the poems in this collection reflects a fragment of my soul, a moment in time when I felt crushed, lost, or silenced. But they also represent the moments when I rose again, found my footing, and reclaimed my life. Built from Broken speaks to the hearts of those who have been battered by life, offering a reminder that even in our most fractured state, we hold the power to rebuild, to reshape ourselves into something stronger and more resilient."
The book, Built From Broken, is endorsed by no less than 7 former and current Poet Laureates including Freddie Barker, the current Worcestershire Poet Laureate and Scarlett Ward, the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate. One of the poems from the book, Melodies of Goodbye, was turned into a song by musician Deon Morgan using a guitar, mandolin and ukulele and broadcast on Black Country Radio in solidarity with October`s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
"This book was written not just for me, but for anyone who has ever felt broken, for those who need to know that they are not alone in their struggles, " said Lisa Connolly. "It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that healing, though often painful and slow, is always possible. My poetry reflects the process of healing from the inside out—through every verse, every emotion, every step toward rebuilding."
Mel Wardle Woodend is a PhD student of Applied Linguistics at Aston University including Director of Dream Well Writing Ltd, Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2019 - 2022, Word Stafford and Aston Society of Poetry. Mel is one of the former Poet laureates who has endorsed Lisa`s debut collection Built From Broken.
Mel said: "Built From Broken, the debut poetry collection by Lisa Connolly, invites readers into a nuanced exploration of trauma, resilience, and ultimately, hope. This collection highlights the complexities of abuse, capturing the perspectives of not only those who endure it but also the minds of the abusers – both portrayed through poems, Connolly has constructed in the first person, and the omniscient gaze of an outside observer in her third person pieces. Each poem resonates with rhythmic energy, weaving catchy rhymes that elevate the gravity of the subject matter while making it accessible.
Connolly balances the raw intensity of pain with moments of reflection and healing, offering a multidimensional portrayal of trauma that is both haunting and uplifting, conveying the inner turmoil of the abused with raw honesty. The poems use vivid imagery, allowing readers to feel the weight of despair and the flickers of hope that emerge. The inclusion of the abuser’s perspective adds a chilling layer of complexity, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and the cycles of pain. While the poems confront difficult themes head-on, they are infused with a sense of possibility and renewal. Connolly navigates the landscape of trauma, reminding us that healing is a journey, often marked by small victories and moments of grace. "
During the compilation of the poetry collection Lisa Connolly has collaborated both with the University of Birmingham on a research project on domestic abuse plus sharing her poetry with Jess Phillips MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls.
Lisa said:
" A special thank you to the remarkable women at WE:ARE (Women's Empowerment and Recovery Educators) who delivered the Freedom Programme—Jacky and Donna—for believing in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Your encouragement has been a lifeline, helping me find my voice and the courage to share it. And to Pat Craven, the creator of the Freedom Programme, thank you for giving women like me a path to walk toward freedom and healing. Your work has truly been life changing. I’d also like to extend my deepest thanks to MP Jess Phillips, whose tireless work on behalf of domestic violence survivors has inspired and uplifted so many including myself. Your book Pain to Power inspired me to keep writing, even when the weight of my past threatened to silence me. When you shared my poem Empowering Women online it gave me the confidence to continue sharing my work publicly, and from there, I had the honour of contributing to the University of Birmingham’s research project.
I am also grateful and would like show thanks to Professor Caroline Bradbury-Jones and Dr. Lucy Kelsall-Knight at the University of Birmingham for including me in their research project, which explored, using artwork, how women resist and survive abuse. Their work looks at how women, living under regimes of power and control, find ways to honour resistance, manage risk, avoid abuse, and cope with pain through creative expression. Contributing my poetry to this project was an honour, and I hope it helps amplify the voices of survivors. Built From Broken is my story, but it’s also a shared experience. So many of us are living through pain, trauma, or loss, but I want to remind you that there is light on the other side. If these poems offer even a glimmer of hope or validation to just one person, then I know that sharing them has been worth it. You are not alone, and your story is far from over. Every scar you carry is a symbol of strength, and each step you take forward is a victory over the darkness that once held you back. You are not defined by your past but by the courage you show in building your future. Thank you for joining me on this journey".
Lisa will be sharing her poetry with the Arts Council England supported project 1in3 at the Clarendon Hotel on 3rd November with Poet Laureate Scarlett Ward in Wolverhampton before supporting the 1in3 project with a 4 day exhibition in the Mander Centre.
"The 1in3 project is an inspiring initiative that brings together local artists and survivors to share powerful stories, raising awareness about gender based violence" said Lisa Connolly. "I invite everyone to join us at the Clarendon Hotel in Wolverhampton on November 3rd at 6pm to support this important cause. During the event I`ll be taking pre-orders for my book, officially launching my coaching and counselling practice, where I`ll also be offering coaching, counselling and sessions focused on healing, resilience and empowerment."
