Training and talks for organisations
Understanding and working with trauma
Practical skills and knowledge for trauma informed practice
What is Understanding and working with trauma?
Children and young people today are growing up in a world shaped by uncertainty, stress, and rapid change. Experiences of loss, disruption, or instability - whether within families, schools, or wider communities - can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing and development.
This course explores how trauma affects children and young people, how it shows up in behaviour, and what helps them recover and thrive. Together we look at the core needs that underpin healthy development and the crucial role of warm, supportive relationships in building resilience.
Drawing on insights from neurobiology, child development, and trauma research, this training offers a clear, compassionate framework for understanding and responding to the challenges young people face, equipping participants with the tools to foster meaningful recovery, connection, and growth.
Children and young people in care and those who look after them face specific challenges in navigating the care system while aiming to recover from early unmet needs and family breakdown.
Each course is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the team I am working with.
What you’ll learn
The importance of safe, trusting relationships in healing
The impact of trauma on the body, brain, and behaviour of individuals and networks
An understanding of trauma from a biological, systemic and psychological framework
The conditions that support trauma recovery and resilience
Trauma first aid: how to in a triggered moment
How to recognise the signs of stress and dysregulation in children and young people
Practical tools for self-regulation, empathy, and emotional safety for both young people and professionals
“Trauma work was superbly contextualised and the groundwork for understanding each individual client in this respect was more thorough than I expected from a two-day training. This had a very positive effect on my confidence regarding working with trauma. It was very helpful in demystifying trauma. I was able to reflect on my work with particular clients who have experienced trauma and their bodily responses to what has happened to them, and how trauma affects our whole perception of the world, highlighted by the clip we watched which was very powerful. Reassurance that the skills I have are relevant.”
- training recipient
Who’s it for
This training is for those working closely with children and young people, including youth workers, foster carers, social workers, therapists, and professionals in health, education, social care or community settings.
It’s ideal for teams and organisations seeking to build a confident, compassionate, relationship-based and trauma-informed approach to their work.
How it’s delivered
This training is available as a half-day or full-day session, delivered online or in person, and always adapted to the needs of your team or organisation.
Sessions combine research-based learning, guided reflection, and practical skill-building, offering a balance of theory and experience that participants can immediately apply in their daily work.
Every workshop includes space for open discussion, questions, and shared learning, creating a supportive environment where participants can explore challenges safely and leave with renewed confidence and clarity.
For teams seeking deeper development, this course can also be delivered as part of a longer training series or staff development programme, with follow-up sessions to embed trauma-informed principles into everyday practice.
This training is designed to demystify the subject of trauma and support participants to feel confident to work with a trauma resilient approach, which benefits everyone in the network.
About your trainer
I’m Jo McAndrews, a trainer and facilitator with over 30 years’ experience in education, family support and community work. My approach is grounded in psychology and trauma-informed practice, and shaped by many years of listening to what helps people feel safe enough to learn and grow together.
I work with teams across education, health and the voluntary sector to help build understanding and confidence in how we relate to one another. My sessions are engaging, reflective and restorative, helping people leave with both practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose in their work.
This work matters deeply to me. I bring warmth, curiosity and care to every organisation I work with.
Costs
My fees for training include preparation discussions and bespoke design, digital presentation handouts and post event debrief. Travel costs and overnight accommodation where needed will be added to this.
Please click the link below to learn more about costs for teams and organisations.
Let’s discuss your training needs
If you would like a chat about this course, or to discuss how I can meet your team or organisation’s needs, please use this form to get in touch