On 20th February 2023, ASCERT Training Officer Elena Brewer hosted a webinar with the Public Health Agency for professionals who wanted to know more about how to make their organisations more trauma-informed.

The webinar was opened by Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive, Public Health Agency and followed by Orla Connolly, Implementation Manager, Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland who spoke about “The Journey Towards Developing Trauma-Informed Organisations“.

Orla was followed by Deirdre McLaughlin, Connected for Life who presented on “Becoming a Trauma-Informed Organisation“.

Our very own Elena Brewer told the attendees about “ACE/Trauma Responsive Work in Practice: The MACE Trauma-Informed Practitioner’s Toolkit and Handbook” followed by Margaret Johnston, Discover You NI who spoke about “Using the Community Resilience Model to Support the Wellbeing of your Workplace” and Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs & Alcohol, Public Health Agency wrapped up the webinar with closing remarks.

Over 250 professionals attended the online event from various organisations on both sides of the border, including all the Health Trusts, NI Housing Executive, NSPCC, Department for Justice, PSNI, Mental Health Foundation, Action for Children, Department for Communities, Start 360, Extern, Dunlewey, Simon Community and various local and city councils.

The video can be viewed via the link below and will be of interest to anyone working with adults, children and/or families who may be affected by trauma and who wish to learn more about making their individual practice and organisations more trauma-informed.

https://youtu.be/wGH_svCqcDE