Posted on: 25 September 2023
We have published new guidance around using trauma informed language to support conversations across services in West Yorkshire. It is not an exhaustive guide but a tool to move towards trauma informed settings, services and systems. The guide is an invitation to develop deeper awareness around stigmatisation, understanding that when we change the language, we change how we see the world.
The report has been written by Lisa Cherry, Director, Trauma Informed Consultancy Services Ltd and regular presenter at our trauma informed events including our Adversity, Trauma and Resilience Knowledge Exchanges.
Lisa said: “If we are to move towards trauma informed practices, then confronting how we use language becomes an urgent enquiry. The intention of this document is that it provokes discussion in safe spaces where we can be comfortable with honesty, vulnerability and being ready to listen. It's not what we do on our own, but rather what we do together that will make the real difference.”
Lisa has also recorded three accompanying webinars to help people navigate the guidance.
- In video 1, Lisa describes how the guidance came about, what the key messages are and how you can use it
- In video 2, Mark Crowe, Research and Development Co-ordinator, Humankind discusses the complexities of language with Lisa and why it is so crucial in our journey to become trauma informed
- In video 3, Caroline Andrews, Project Manager for the Adversity, Trauma and Resilience Programme has a conversation with Lisa about her work with Leeds Trinity University and the importance of trauma informed language
The guidance and webinars support our activities to be trauma informed by 2030.