Drawing Our Pain: a story-sharing gathering for invisible illness & medical trauma at The Haunted Bookshop

Drawing Our Pain: A Story-Sharing Gathering for Invisible Illness & Medical Trauma

Join us at The Haunted Bookshop for a gentle, community-centred gathering for people living with invisible disabilities, chronic pain, endometriosis, difficult or debilitating periods, and those who have been harmed or dismissed by the healthcare system.

This is a free, low-pressure event where we’ll use drawing as a tool to explore and express pain—physical, emotional, and systemic. No art experience is needed. Drawing is simply a way to give shape to experiences that are so often minimised, misunderstood, or made invisible.

Those who wish will be invited (never required) to share the stories behind their drawings. Listening is as welcome as speaking. You are free to participate in whatever way feels safest for you: drawing quietly, sharing a few words, or simply being present in a room where your pain is believed.

This space is rooted in care, consent, and mutual respect. We acknowledge the harm many of us have experienced in medical settings and the isolation that can come with chronic and cyclical pain. Together, we’ll make space for honesty, anger, grief, humour, relief, and connection.

All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Free to attend. Open to all who feel this space is for them.

Please note: the shop is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. The event is free, but a donation is encouraged to keep the bookshop's door open and events accessible. Thank you.

Description supplied by the event organiser.