West Yorkshire trauma-informed criminal justice conference sparks change and hope

A capacity crowd gathered at the Leeds Marriott Hotel on 9 October for the West Yorkshire Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice Conference, an event filled with emotion, insight and collaboration. With around 100 attendees, the conference explored how trauma-informed approaches can reshape criminal justice settings, such as prisons, courts, and probation facilities, bringing forward practical strategies for culture change.

Becky Haas, a renowned U.S. author and trauma expert, delivered the keynote address, focussing on building resilient communities.

“Trauma robs people of their hopes and dreams,” Becky said, adding that the cycle of trauma often spans generations, particularly in the absence of positive experiences or supportive adults. She stressed the need for communities to be part of the healing process. “By understanding trauma, we can create spaces where people can thrive.”

Andi Brierley, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Leeds Trinity University shared his own story of childhood trauma highlighting how early adversity led to his involvement in crime. “I can’t remember feeling safe as a child,” he said, emphasising the need to break cycles of toxic stress. Brierley underscored that hiring individuals with lived experience not only benefits those individuals but also helps organisations and society at large.

The conference also showcased several West Yorkshire initiatives already embracing trauma-informed practices. Ingeus, Together Women, and The Bridge Project are pioneering programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Ingeus, for example, has a workforce that includes 17% of employees with lived experience, two of whom shared their transformative journeys at the event.

Anne-Marie, a mentor with a 25-year history of drug addiction, recounted how Ingeus helped her find a path out of what felt like a “revolving door” of incarceration and addiction. “If I can change, anyone can,” she told attendees, now using her experiences to inspire others in the criminal justice system.

Tom, a young adult lead for West Yorkshire, shared a similar story of overcoming addiction. After serving time in prison, he re-evaluated his life and found hope through rehab. “Change is possible -and worth it,” he said, crediting the supportive relationships he built through Ingeus.

Representatives from Together Women also presented their work supporting at-risk women and girls in the North of England, while The Bridge Project highlighted their efforts to empower people facing multiple barriers, including addiction and family dysfunction. This included Daniel, one of five children born to alcoholic parents, who shared his deeply personal journey of addiction and recovery at the conference.

After starting drugs at a young age, Daniel spiralled into heroin and crack addiction by the time he was 17. Despite numerous attempts to break free, it wasn’t until The Bridge Project stepped in that he found the support he needed. Through persistence and kindness, mentor Amy helped Daniel turn his life around.

Now, Daniel is committed to giving back. “I’d done nothing but take, take, take. It’s now about giving back. Turning to Andi Brierly, our earlier speaker, Daniel said: “Your story is a testament to me, you’re where I want to be.”

Roundtable discussions, led by Emm Irving, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s Head of Improving Population Health and Kelly Laycock, Senior Programme Delivery Manager, from the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership focused on opportunities to embed trauma-informed practices across the criminal justice system.

Reflecting on the event, Emm said: “Today powerfully demonstrated our commitment to listening to voices from our communities, dismantling barriers, and fostering equity. Together, we are not just advocates for change - we are the change.”

For more information and resources sign up to our trauma informed digital portal. Organisations can also complete a trauma informed readiness checklist to find out what they need to do to obtain trauma informed charter status.