Bedford Borough Council – Trauma Informed Practice

We delivered Trauma Informed Training to two cohorts of staff. Those delivering Universal services on behalf of a Children’s Centre attended a two-day course and those delivering targeted Early Help attended a three-day course. The Service and staff had already begun the process of exploring how a trauma informed approach may enhance their strengths-based practice which allowed them to utilise the training to learn new knowledge/skills but also to reflect further on their current and developing practice.

 

Both courses covered:

·         Understanding what is meant by Trauma Informed Practice and the underlying values and principles

·         Exploring the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) both in childhood but also later on in life.

·         Exploring the four R’s – Recognise, Realise, Respond, and Resist Re-traumatisation

·         Understanding why TIP is important for services, children and families.

·         Learning about tools and techniques to support trauma informed practice

·         Exploring how trauma affects the workforce and reflecting on what support is required and how to build resilience in ourselves and our teams.

 

Those attending the three-day course were then supported to develop an agenda for the final day which best met their bespoke needs. It covered:

 

•        Use of strengths-based questions
•        Drawing on solution focused thinking and use of scaling
•        Creating plans with families
•        Trauma informed supervision
•       Courageous conversations 

 

Attendees took an active role within the training and in shaping the programme and feedback was very positive. Comments included:

“I will definitely use it within staff supervisions to improve outcomes and make them more person centred.”

“I will think about how I will respond to people. Taking more time. Listen instead of trying to fix.”

“Trainer, Sue was fab! Loved the discussions.”

“I will consider my approach to professional relationships with a positive strengths-based outlook and consider language used.”

“Sue has been amazing. So engaging through all the training with a wealth of knowledge and experience. A truly fantastic trainer – thank you very much.”

“This was fantastic! So useful. Thought provoking and challenging both personally and professionally. Thank you, Sue.”

“Was looking forward to this training. It did not disappoint! Thank you.”

“Very well adapted for our service.”

             “Better than excellent, you are insightful, I could learn so much.”