Trauma, Stigma & Belonging

DESCRIPTION: Have the people accessing your service experienced trauma? Do you feel that you and they would benefit if you knew more about stigmatisation how that impacts them accessing your service?  If you answered yes, you are not alone.  Research suggests that stigma can manifest in subtle and largely unintended ways. Specifically, stigma can be related to a lack of skills and confidence when working with people who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including abuse, neglect, and exploitation. That is why we have invited Ciara McClelland, Arts Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Trauma Trainer and Consultant, to speak to you about understanding Trauma and Stigma. This course is designed to help frontline workers understand the stigma attached to the trauma people have experienced and how this may impact your work with them. It offers a chance to hear from a highly regarded authority on trauma about how we can improve our relationship, interactions and overall care for people who have experienced trauma and the stigma that sits with that.

This course will examine stigmatising attitudes and behaviours through various instructional activities.

The course covers four key areas:

• Exploration of stigmatisation
• Exploration of how stigma impacts
• How do we challenge the impact of the 'stigma machine'
• Connecting co-production, language and stigma as developing vehicles for change

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Identify and think operationally about the trauma informed principles in practice.
• Explain stigma and its causes, and identify what stigma looks like in their setting
• Describe the impact of stigma on people with lived experience and why it is important for people with lived experiences to share their stories.
• Identify common misperceptions about trauma and stigma
• Describe how stigma can affect access to services.
• Describe what is being done to address stigma and what they can do to make a difference.
• Identify ways to reduce stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
• Describe how applying recovery-based and trauma-informed awareness in your approach to service delivery challenges stigma.
• Identify strategies to decrease stigmatising language use and explain how to incorporate respectful language in verbal and written language.
• Identify strategies to collectively care for all those involved.

"The facilitator demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the subject and was both positive and supportive throughout the session. Her approach was incredibly motivating, encouraging us to ask questions and share our experiences, which made the training engaging and insightful." ~ Anonymous

Please note: The Westgate Collaboration Space is located above the Oxford County Library in Westgate (Oxford City Centre). There is no formal parking so delegates are advised to use the Park & Ride or various city centre car parks.

Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided, however, delegates will need to bring their own lunch. There are many shops and cafes in Oxford city centre/Westgate for delegates to purchase lunch during the break if they prefer.