Together we can help our young people to heal say Kids Inspire

A devastating youth mental health crisis is happening all around us. However, the systems – the responsible adults, the schools or the community groups and volunteers, can learn skills to make a lasting difference, says trauma informed children’s charity, Kids Inspire.

Kids Inspire centres it’s services on improving youth mental health and in a bid to shift the landscape, alongside its bespoke trauma-informed therapy, the charity offers tools to empower key people (the systems around a child) to help.

14-year-old, Joseph - an expert by experience - recently shared: "It’s easier for young people to open up to someone they are not familiar with. It’s easier to open up as you have a sense of freedom and less fear of judgment.”

In recognition of the ‘power of the systems’ that make up a child’s world, Kids Inspire delivers an online training (funded by the National Lottery), entitled ‘Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Trauma’. It’s for anyone who supports young people, as well as for the family that surrounds them.

CEO and Clinical Director, Sue Bell OBE, describes the training as: “accessible to everyone, no prior knowledge is needed.  This course provides an introduction to mental health and trauma informed practice, which is where we ask, ‘What has happened to you?’ rather than ‘what is wrong with you?’  The tools of stabilisation are shared alongside a basic understanding of the traumatised brain, the theory of attachment and interventions that support recovery.”

Beverley Swan has been gifting her time as a volunteer to young people for four years now, she has completed Kids Inspire’s trauma informed training following retirement as an Assistant Head of a large secondary school. Every week, Beverley works closely with young people in a voluntary capacity within her community, she said: “In all my work, I have been aware of the primary need for young people to feel safe, secure and supported in order to maximise their chances of thriving emotionally, socially and educationally. Busy lives and financial pressures on families and governments means there are times when there is a shortfall.”

“I have found volunteering with young people personally very rewarding. Chatting to them, listening to their stories, and hearing about life today for their generation is illuminating. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always a time to look forward to and learn from.”

Kids Inspire is hosting its next online ‘Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by trauma’ on Tuesday 7 February, during Children’s Mental Health Awareness week – 6 to 12 February 2023.

For more information on this story, or to talk to someone featured, please contact emily@kidsinspire.org.uk or call her on 01245 348707.

-ends-

Notes to editors:

• In a 12-month reporting period* Kids Inspire have successfully supported 3,755 children, young people and family members with therapy, mentoring, groups and consultations.

• Alongside their core services, 3,393* people have been reached through training, community engagement, and outreach activities.

• In a 12-month reporting period*, Kids Inspire delivered six 3-hour online sessions of ‘Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Trauma‘ to 289 mental health practitioners, teachers, and parents (UK-wide).

*1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022

 About training ‘Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Trauma‘

This training is informed by child development theories, the neurobiology of relationships, nervous system resilience and trauma resolution. It is designed for people who support children (parents, teachers, key workers, community workers, professionals, therapists etc), attendees learn how to recognise behaviours triggered by traumatic experiences, understand how our brains keep us safe and how we respond to trauma. They are equipped with tools for stabilisation to reduce trauma symptoms in young people and improve their capacity for learning, joy, resilience, self-regulation and social relationships.

Sample of participant feedback:

• I found it helpful and interesting how the training focused on physical feelings and what is going on in our bodies first and then going into label feelings and emotions.

• How powerful our brains are and the fact we can rewire them with the right care and environment.

• I thought the training was excellent, really thought-provoking and it has inspired me to find out more. As someone who doesn’t have a therapeutic background, a lot of the content was new to me, but it was explained in an accessible way. I found the breakout rooms interesting as well, a great chance to meet with and hear from others.

• A clarity of understanding around the impact of trauma on young people.

• I have grown in confidence in explaining this to other colleagues supporting young people.