Trauma Informed Approaches

Our Derbyshire Guiding Principles

Relationships Matter

We all need safe, compassionate, trustworthy relationships to develop, learn and thrive and we understand this is more difficult for those of us affected by trauma.

• Because hurt may have happened in all kinds of relationships.
• Because our ability to form relationships can be impacted by trauma.
• Because relationships can both harm and heal.

Behaviour is Communication

Through having a better understanding of how trauma can affect someone’s behaviour we can offer more supportive and effective responses. Being curious about what may have happened in the past gives us a better understanding of what’s affecting someone now.

• Because trauma can increase our feelings of fear and threat.
• Because trauma can disrupt our ability to regulate our communication.
• Because trauma-related behaviours are often misunderstood.

Safety and Choice

We listen to, value, and recognise the experiences, needs and choices of everyone. Working alongside people with respect, compassion and kindness.

• Because trauma can take away feelings of safety.
• Because trauma can take away power and feelings of choice.
• Because trauma can make it harder to speak up and be heard.

Empowering and Strengths based

Through realising and responding to people’s strengths and abilities as individuals, families, and communities, we can nurture recovery and support better outcomes.

• Because trauma can cause feelings of shame and disempowerment.
• Because trauma can make life’s challenges more difficult to cope with.
• Because recovery happens when people are empowered to build upon their strengths and see a positive future.

Inclusive and Universal

Being Trauma informed benefits everyone. We recognise that trauma can play a part in shaping anyone’s life. There is no ‘them and us’.

• Because trauma can affect anyone.

• Because the impacts of trauma may be complex and misunderstood.

• Because taking a trauma-informed approach will benefit everyone.

A Foundation Learning Programme for the Derbyshire System

This three-part video based Learning Pathway will support volunteers, staff and leaders at all levels to develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of trauma and the benefits of being trauma-informed in the way we work.

The Learning Pathway Explores:

What trauma is and how it impacts people’s lives
The experience of survivors when engaging with services.
The cultural shift towards trauma-informed approaches how we can remain trauma-informed.

The programme comes with guidance for group work, discussion questions and activities. It can also be completed individually.

Create an account and complete the learning here.

Resources

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