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  • We believe in the healing power
    of community

    Healing is complex, non-linear and unique to us all, but it’s a journey we can navigate together. See what others have already shared on 'Your Healing', or use some of our prompts to Share Your Journey:

    What Has Your Healing Journey Taught You?
    E.g. “I’ve learned I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.”

    What Challenges Have You Faced?
    E.g. “Coping with the highs and lows of healing has been exhausting.”

    What's Been Helpful For Your Healing?
    E.g. “Journaling helps me process emotions. Therapy's been a game-changer for me.”

    What Have You Let Go Of?
    E.g. “I’ve let go of the belief that I’m broken, damaged and defined by my trauma.”

    Any Wisdom For Survivors?
    E.g. “One day at a time—setbacks are normal.”

    Want To Ask The Community?
    E.g. “What’s one thing you wish you had known at the start of your healing journey?”

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Nothing For Us Without Us!

At Beyond Surviving, we believe that empowerment comes from within. We don’t empower survivors—survivors empower themselves when they are honoured as the sole experts of their own experiences and lives, and supported with safe spaces to step into their power and reclaim their voice on their own terms. We follow their lead and champion their agency.

Self-advocacy is a powerful healer in itself, and the beauty of survivor-led work is that it gets right to the heart of what truly matters to survivors—addressing real needs and taking the guesswork out of policy development, service design, strategic priorities and the likes. It ensures that survivors are recognised as equal partners in shaping the systems, supports, and decisions that directly impact their lives—grounded in lived experience and agency.

As we like to say, “there’s nothing more powerful than an empowered survivor!” So, without further ado, we’re proud to introduce Beyond Surviving’s formidable advocates…

Meet our Advocates!

How has advocating for yourself and others impacted your healing journey?

What message would you share with others about the power of survivor-led advocacy?

What does it feel like to connect with and advocate alongside fellow survivors?

Advocacy can be slow-moving work. What drives you to keep pushing forward?

Leyla Simsek

Beyond Surviving Advocate since March ’25

“Finding Beyond Surviving and Ciara has profoundly transformed my healing journey. After years of seeking fellow survivors, connecting with others has been incredibly emotional and liberating. While counselling was not my path, sharing a safe space with those who truly understand has allowed me to breathe freely again. Being part of something greater than myself is immensely powerful. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has faced silence for many years, I have finally reclaimed my voice through advocacy, giving my life purpose and meaning. Although I cannot change the past, I can shape a brighter future for my children and fellow survivors through education and information. By advocating for systemic change, we can cultivate the conditions for individual and collective healing to thrive.”

Anonymous Advocate

Beyond Surviving Advocate since May ’25

“It has given me the hope and support I’ve always needed, I never knew how much I needed this until I joined Beyond Surviving. It’s my safe place 🫶

It took me 23 years to finally come forward and it was the hardest but best thing I’ve ever done! I’ve tried to come forward before this and just wasn’t ready. Now I’m ready to fight for the justice I deserve as a survivor!!

Fighting for our voices! To be seen, to be heard! To give survivors information, help and support that I never once got! I’m hoping that it will encourage a survivor who has been silent for so long to come forward and get the justice they deserve! If you believe you will achieve ❤”

Ciara Mangan

Beyond Surviving Advocate since Oct ’23

“Advocating for myself and other survivors gives my life a real added sense of purpose. I can honestly say, through advocacy and using my voice, that I have found some meaning in my pain and what I’ve gone through, which, even on my bad days, provides hope and the drive to keep pushing forward. Equally, advocating alongside amazing fellow survivors is incredibly inspiring and rewarding.”