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In trauma-informed schools and communities, we recognise that behaviour is communication. A child who feels unsafe will find it hard to learn, connect, or regulate. Our role as emotionally available adults is to create environments where safety is felt, where relationships are consistent, repairs are made after rupture, and compassion is prioritised.

Every calm voice, every moment of patience, every genuine connection helps a young person’s nervous system learn that the world can be safe again. That’s how we strengthen emotional muscles; through care, co-regulation, and belonging. 💛

How do you communicate safety when supporting children and young people?

Our Practitioner Network Meetings are a great way to bring together practitioners from across a range of settings, throughout Wales. We share ideas, experience and re-connect with one another to continue growing as a trauma-informed practitioner community. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

🗓️ Date: 12th November 2025
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
⏰ Time: 4.00-5.15pm

Will we see you there? 👋

Wales' Practitioner Network Meetings are held once every term. All upcoming dates are listed on our 'events' page on our website (linked in bio 🔗).

*Emails are automatically sent to all practitioners, however they do sometimes get stuck in junk! Just in case, keep an eye on your WhatsApp groups for the link too or get in touch!

It’s not always the grand gestures that change a child or young person's day. Often, it’s the small shifts in language that can help instill a feeling of safety, trust and connection.

Each time we choose curiosity over control, compassion over criticism, and connection over correction, we send a ripple that reaches far beyond the moment. 💛

What words have you used to communicate 'you matter' to a child or young person you support?

Help! I'm in Education get me out of here!

Burnout isn’t just an individual issue, it’s a whole-school challenge. Stress builds slowly, showing up in physical, emotional and behavioural ways. Left unaddressed, it can affect staff morale, team relationships and, ultimately, the young people we support. That’s why a trauma-informed, collective approach is key.

Burnout doesn’t have to define education. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference; improving wellbeing, strengthening relationships, and sustaining professional joy.

In this 2-hour online session, we’ll explore what burnout is, the impact of it on the brain and body, and consider nourishing strategies to take into the day, week and term ahead.

📅 Tuesday 21st October
⏰ 9.30am–11.30am
💻 Online via Zoom
💰 £75 per person

🔗 Book your place via the link in bio

Sometimes, children and young people can’t find the words, but they do feel them. Feeling vulnerable can show up as hesitation, clinginess, fear, or withdrawal.

It’s the sense of being exposed, feeling small, fragile, or uncertain and/or unsure of safety or support.

Whether it’s a situation, a feeling, or even a belief, vulnerability is a powerful emotional state that deserves to be met with curiosity and connection rather than judgment.

Instead of asking “Why are you overreacting?” we may wonder, what might help them feel safe and supported?

Helping someone name and express their vulnerability can help them feel seen, understood, and connected with. ✨

Weithiau mae dod o hyd i'r geiriau iawn ar gyfer ein hemosiynau yn teimlo'n amhosibl; yn enwedig ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc pan maen nhw'n llywio teimladau cymhleth. Hynny yw, lle gall trosiadau helpu i agor drysau a darparu diogelwch o amgylch y teimladau.

Yn lle gofyn yn uniongyrchol “Sut ydych chi'n teimlo?”, rhowch gynnig ar: “Os oeddech chi'n felys heddiw, beth fyddech chi?”

Mae trosiadau fel hyn yn creu pellter diogel i'r person ifanc rannu mewn ffyrdd sy'n teimlo'n chwareus, yn greadigol ac yn llai llethol. Y tu ôl i bob trosiad yw stori sy'n hirhau i gael ei glywed.

Plentyn/ Person ifanc: “Byswn yn losin popio”
Ymarferwr: “Wow, gallant fod yn llawer o hwyl, ond maent hefyd yn anodd eu rhagweld, felly rwy'n dychmygu y byddai teimlo'n eithaf ansicr fel losin popio yn teimlo'n eithaf ansicr”

Sometimes finding the right words for our emotions feels impossible; especially for children and young people when they’re navigating complex feelings. That’s where metaphors can help open doors and provide a safety around the feelings.

Instead of asking directly “How are you feeling?”, try: “If you were a sweet today, what would you be?”

Metaphors like this create a safe distance for the young person to share in ways that feel playful, creative, and less overwhelming. Behind each metaphor is a story that longs to be heard.

CYP: “I’d be popping candy”�
Practitioner: “Wow, they can be a lot of fun, however they’re also really unpredictable, so I imagine feeling like popping candy might feel quite uncertain”

Which check-ins have you tried? Let us know in the comments!