Empowering Schools with Trauma-Informed Leadership

Team TICS
June 24, 2024

Trauma Informed Consultancy Services (TICS) are delighted to share their brand new "Practising as a Trauma Informed Senior Mental Health Lead" training. Overseen by Dr Lisa Cherry, this program conjures up all of the wonderful work around Trauma Informed Practice that means so much to us all at TICS. A real treat for those who join us!

About the Founders

Dr. Lisa Cherry, Director of Trauma Informed Consultancy Services Ltd, is an author, researcher, and international trainer specialising in trauma-informed systemic change. With over 30 years of experience in Education and Children's Services, Lisa has trained over 30,000 professionals worldwide. Her research includes the impact of school exclusion on care-experienced adults and how they made sense of belonging. Lisa holds a DPhil from Oxford and authored award-winning books like "Conversations that Make a Difference for Children and Young People" (2021) and "The Brightness of Stars" (2022). Her next book on cultivating belonging is set for publication in 2024/2025.

Gemma Fieldsend: A former NHS mental health practitioner and mental health nurse, Gemma has dedicated over 25 years to the mental health field. Her transition into education in 2012 marked a new chapter in her career, focusing on delivering high-quality mental health training in schools, colleges, and universities.

Jessica Parker: A psychologist and qualified teacher, Jessica is currently completing her PhD in psychological medicine at King's College London. She specialises in mental health prevention in schools. Her experience spans the educational and mental health sectors, making her an invaluable asset to this initiative.

The Need for Trauma-Informed Senior Mental Health Leads:

Dr Lisa Cherry explains, “Schools are increasingly recognising that addressing mental health issues among students is vital. An important way of doing this is working within the framework of trauma informed practice. The role of a senior mental health lead can do this and the role is crucial in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all pupils. However, many schools lack the necessary training and resources to implement effective mental health strategies.

Our Vision:

The Trauma Informed Consultancy Services program aims to fill this gap by providing comprehensive training to senior mental health leads that specifically focuses on the merits of taking a trauma informed approach holds the mental wellbeing of students, parents and carers and staff in equal stead. Their approach is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, which emphasises understanding, recognising, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.

Course Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Training: The course includes two full days of face-to-face training, with a follow-up session and continuous access to resources and coaching during the program.
  • Evidence-Based Methods: Trainees will learn to implement strategies grounded in the latest research and best practices in mental health and trauma-informed care.
  • Peer Networking: The program fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among senior mental health leads, creating a supportive community of practice.
  • Strategic Change Management: Participants will gain skills in strategic planning and change management, ensuring that mental health initiatives are sustainable and effective.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Principles:

The 2017 Green Paper on Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision emphasised the need for schools to play a central role in supporting the mental health of their students. Implementing trauma-informed principles is crucial for this mission. These principles include safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. A whole-school approach ensures that every aspect of school life, from the classroom to the playground, supports the mental and emotional wellbeing of students. Trauma-informed care underpins this approach by fostering an environment where students feel safe and supported, which is essential for effective learning and healthy development. Understanding and addressing trauma helps prevent re-traumatization, supports resilience, and promotes healing.

Benefits:

  • Improved Student Outcomes: By addressing mental health proactively, schools can see improvements in attendance, behaviour, and academic performance.
  • Enhanced Staff Wellbeing: Supporting staff mental health is a key focus, helping to reduce burnout and improve overall school morale.
  • Sustainable Change: The program equips schools with the tools and knowledge to create lasting change, benefiting students, staff, and the wider community.

Join the Movement:

By participating in this program, schools are not just addressing immediate mental health needs but are also investing in the long-term wellbeing of their entire community. We invite all schools to join us in this transformative journey, creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Already had someone train as a Senior Mental Health Lead and leave your school?

Since October 2023, the Department for Education have been generous enough to extend the funding so that if your school has already claimed one grant for one lead… we could build on the brilliant work that your colleague has already achieved so don’t worry, we won’t be reinventing the wheel.

For more information go here and to register for the course, contact: lyndsay@ticservicesltd.com

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