Beyond the Surface: Understanding Trauma

Trauma can affect how people experience the world, relate to others and respond in situations that may seem ordinary to us. As volunteers, we may encounter people affected by trauma without necessarily knowing what they have experienced.

This accessible and practical session will help us look beyond the surface of behaviour to better understand what may be happening underneath. We’ll explore what trauma is, how it can affect people, and what it means to become more trauma-informed in the way we support and interact with others — responding in ways that promote safety, dignity and trust.
The session is open to volunteers across our projects and may be particularly valuable for those volunteering in homelessness projects, foodbanks and other settings where they are more likely to encounter people who have experienced trauma.

Nikki Dhillon Keane is a BACP-accredited therapist (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), clinical supervisor, trainer and writer with over 20 years’ experience working with survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and trauma. Nikki is also Head of Caritas Hope, which supports survivors of abuse and exploitation, and has extensive experience delivering training in trauma-informed approaches.

No previous knowledge is needed. The session is about building awareness and confidence, and giving volunteers practical ways to become more trauma-informed — not about becoming trauma specialists.

18 November – 7.00–9.30pm
With Nikki Dhillon Keane