Ormiston Families -Trauma Informed Practice Training
We were invited to deliver our Trauma Informed Practice one-day training programme for practitioners working with children, young people and families at Ormiston Families. Following the positive impact of previous sessions, we were asked to return and deliver this training on a rolling basis for staff.
The aim of the training was to strengthen staff understanding of trauma and equip them with practical approaches they could use in their daily work.
What we delivered
Our one-day Trauma Informed Practice training explored what it means to be informed and responsive to trauma both individually and organisationally. The programme focused on helping practitioners understand how trauma shapes behaviour, relationships and engagement with services.
Key learning areas included:
- Understanding what trauma is and how it can present in children, young people and adults
- Recognising the impact of trauma on emotions, behaviour and relationships
- Understanding how trauma can affect a person’s ability or readiness to change
- Developing awareness of how working with trauma can impact staff wellbeing, including vicarious trauma
- Learning how to respond effectively to trauma-triggered behaviours
Impact of the training
Evaluation results showed a clear improvement in participants’ knowledge and confidence.
Before the training, most participants rated their understanding of trauma informed practice as satisfactory or good. By the end of the programme, all participants rated their understanding as good or excellent, particularly in:
- recognising how trauma presents in children, young people and adults
- understanding how trauma impacts behaviour, emotions and relationships
- responding appropriately to trauma-triggered behaviour
The training was also extremely well received by participants:
- 100% rated the trainer’s knowledge and delivery as excellent
- The majority rated the overall quality and relevance to their role as excellent
- 13 out of 15 participants rated the training 10/10 and said they would strongly recommend it to colleagues
What participants said
Participants highlighted how the training helped them see behaviour differently and reflect on their practice:
“Awareness of the different presentations of trauma.”
“How to reflect on behaviour as a form of communication.”
“The prevalence of trauma and the ways in which it can show up and present itself.”
“The importance of relationships.”
Several participants described how the learning would change their approach in practice:
“I will approach people differently and utilise the learning from today in my future interactions.”
“Greater awareness and focus on seeing through behaviour and communication.”
“Think about language used relating to trauma more carefully.”
Staff also reflected on the importance of looking after themselves when working with trauma:
“Be kinder to myself and develop self-care routines.”