I hope you’ve all been enjoying the first real glimpse of sunshine over the past few weeks!
As we move into month nine of the Trauma-Informed Roadmap, I’ve been travelling across the regions to provide updates to our teams and foster carers. Over the past few months, I’ve been really grateful for the opportunity to speak in depth with a number of foster carers about their experiences. These conversations have given me valuable insights into how trauma impacts their day-to-day lives as they care for their children.
Completing the initial assessment of the organisation has allowed me to see its strengths and challenges through various lenses. That’s why I feel it’s so important for our organisation-wide trauma-informed training to be relatable to each person and the unique work they do. This is something I’m currently developing, and it will include everyone within CFT – staff, trustees, panel members, and foster carers.
You may also begin to notice some changes in our regional offices as we work to create more “trauma-informed environments.” In simple terms, this means making sure our spaces feel safe, welcoming, and thoughtfully put together. We’ve all had experiences -perhaps in a GP’s waiting room (if you’re lucky enough to get an appointment) – where the atmosphere or layout made us feel uncomfortable or even exposed. We’re also taking into account the sensory elements of our environments, aiming to make them calmer, softer, and more adaptable.
This thinking extends to our electronic and online spaces as well. We want to ensure these also feel approachable, comfortable, and help people feel prepared when they work with or visit us.
Each region now has its own Trauma-Informed Champion(s) who will support local progress along the Roadmap, gather and share feedback, and offer insights into both challenges and successes:
West Midlands – Ilka & Emma S
West Yorkshire – Dorothy
East Midlands – Heather
North East – Klavdiya
South Central – Patricia
We’re also hoping they’ll contribute to future blog updates to help keep everyone informed. Our champion group will meet monthly to maintain momentum across the organisation.
In addition to developing support groups (for both staff and foster carers), reviewing CFT policies and training, I’ve also attended panels and panel forums, and spoken with trustees about their roles within the organisation. I’ve been lucky to attend some of the children’s events as well – and I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming West Yorkshire residential, which promises to be a highlight!
From the many conversations I’ve had recently, it’s clear that becoming a trauma-informed organisation truly involves everyone – regardless of their role or level of involvement. This ethos needs to be woven through everything we do, with children always at the heart of the charity.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Best wishes,
Sarah
