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Sometimes it’s hard to articulate how we really feel; this can be especially the case for children and young people carrying complex emotions. That’s where metaphor check-ins can help.

Asking questions like “If you were a type of weather today, what would you be?” 🌦️ can appear to be just a bit of fun but by using metaphors, we give safe distance, allowing feelings to be named gently, with room for creativity and depth.

Most importantly? They communicate: “Your inner world matters. I’m here to really listen about how you are.”

Every metaphor shared is really a story waiting to be heard...

CYP: "I’d be a tornado, not sure where I'm going” 🌪
Practitioner: "What I know about tornadoes is that they can spin around from one thing to the next, sometimes blitzing through important things. I imagine being a tornado can feel really chaotic and even out of control"

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to listen to each other's stories."

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded that empathy, active listening, and authentic connection can make the world of difference.

Being trauma-informed can mean slowing down, holding space, and letting every child, young person, and adult know: your voice matters, your story matters, you matter. 💛

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is out there.
☎️ Freephone Listening Helplines Include:

C.A.L.L - Mental health helpline for Wales offering confidential listening and support. Call freephone 0800 132 737, or text help to 81066 (Wales only).

HOPELINE 247 - @papyrus_uk confidential supportive space. Call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247

C.A.L.M - Free, confidential, anonymous helpline. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - 12pm) @calmzone

Childline - 0800 1111 (for anyone under 19) @childline_official

Samaritans - Safe space to talk, call 116 123, or 0808 164 0123 (Welsh Language Line). @samaritanscymru

Shout - text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start the free, confidential conversation. @giveusashoutinsta

As the season shifts, nature reminds us that change can be beautiful. Through the lens of biophilia; our innate connection to the natural world, time spent outdoors can offer powerful regulation for both children and adults.

Patterns of Nature 🌿
Stand with a tree, inhale while tracing the trunk up, exhale while tracing the branches down with your eyes or finger. Spot what re-occuring patterns you. Take a rubbing if you can! Helps regulate breathing and nervous system.

Creature Creating 🍄
With whatever treasures in nature you can find, conkers, leaves, pinecones.. make what creatures you can, create a story, character, and even names for them! Playful curiosity to help forge connection and boost those feel-good neurochemicals!

Rain Painting ☂
With the inevitable rain this season, lets use it! Using watercolour crayons, pencils or paints, watch how we can use rain to add and create bursts of colour on the page.. or at the very least, shared joy as you revel in your masterpieces!

Fire-making 🔥
Fire is deeply tied to the natural cycle of warmth, light, and gathering; helping children reconnect with nature’s rhythms, supporting regulation, wellbeing and belonging.
*always risk-assess carefully and give clear structure and roles

This autumn, let’s notice the little grounding moments nature offers and share them with the children and young people we walk alongside.

💭 What’s your favourite way to connect with nature at this time of year?

When we prioritise connection, we’re not just building relationships, we’re boosting oxytocin, the brain’s "bonding chemical" and communicating safety, and belonging 💛

Connection is central to trauma-informed practice. Just one emotionally available adult can make a world of difference, especially to a child or young person who may have experienced adveristy.

One safe, consistent relationship can change everything.✨

Mae empathi yn cael effaith cryf ar ein niwrocemeg ac ar ein perthynas â'r byd trwy ein cysylltiadau a’n perthnasoedd.

Mae Bruce Perry yn ddweud bod gallu pawb i ofalu, i rannu, i wrando, i werfawrogi ac i fod yn empathig, yn datblygu o dderbyn gofal, rhannu, gwrando ac empathi.

Gall perthnasoedd niweidio ... ond hefyd gall perthnasoedd wella pan fyddwn yn derbyn y nifer cywir o empathi a thrugaredd.

Sut ydych chi’n ymddangos empthai? Dywedwch wrthym yn y sylwadau ⬇️

🌟 The Power of Empathy 🌟

Empathy has a profound impact on our neurochemistry and subsequently how we relate to the world through our connections and relationships.

Bruce Perry states that everyone’s capacity to care, to share, to listen, value and be empathic, develops from being cared for, shared with, listened to, and empathised with.

Relationships can harm...however, relationships can also heal when we receive the right amount of empathy and compassion.

How do you show empathy? Tell us in the comments ⬇️