The event was a day of thought-provoking discussion on how to make trauma-informed meaningful for all of us: hearing more about the ongoing work to develop our public narrative and joining the movement toward a trauma-informed Wales.
This event was for everyone, and we hope colleagues went away with new resources to strengthen collective action and facilitate collaboration across communities, sectors and services.
It is more important than ever that we can tell the story of how we got to where we are and shape the vision of where we need to go next. We were joined by professionals, community leaders and policymakers in recognising how our Welsh trauma-informed approach is embedded in practice and within communities across Wales and commit to continuing to change lives in Wales. We hope colleagues went away with new ideas, inspiration and resources to strengthen collective action and facilitate collaboration across communities, sectors and services.
This event marked the start of something powerful – a social movement built on kindness, community and a shared commitment to a trauma-informed Wales. A great day focused on storytelling and exploring how this narrative can strengthen collective action to inspire collaboration between people and across communities, sectors and services.
Here’s a quick run-down of key moments that shaped the day:
We were pleased to be joined by DUKE AL, opening the day with spoken-word poetry on hope, kindness and being trauma-informed.
We were delighted to share a video address from Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care, emphasising the Government’s commitment to the trauma-informed approach.
Two panel sessions took place to showcase a look back on how this work began, what was learned through an experimental approach to developing the narrative and how this will set us up for the future.
We were thrilled that Dafydd Llewellyn, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, was able to offer his reflections on why a public narrative is needed for Wales, to support public services and people working in our communities.
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring key themes through interactive workshops to help think about how a public narrative can support collective work. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about engaging and listening to children and young people, the evolution of trauma-informed language and an opportunity to write their own narratives.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed, supported and shaped the path ahead.
The exhibition formed part of the Developing and Delivering a Public Narrative for a Trauma-Informed Wales event. It was a space dedicated to showcase work that individuals or groups have created through different forms of media for creative trauma-informed approaches. The exhibition was on display for the duration of the event, with dedicated time to visit during the lunch and refreshment breaks.
We had contributions from Aberystwyth University with the Pathways to Peace project, Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner showcasing their Checklist and Buddy Scheme, ANEW Programme, MEIC (PromoCymru), posters created during the workshop series and various posters from ACE Hub Wales and Trauma-Informed Wales.
This narrative sets out a vision for a Wales in which everyone understands and realises the benefits of what it means to be trauma-informed in their everyday life – from daily interactions to specialist services. This narrative sets a tone for how we can all promote the need for a trauma-informed nation.
First launched in 2019, ACE Hub Wales’ flagship campaign — #TimeToBeKind — set out to promote kindness and build an “ACE aware Wales” by encouraging understanding and compassion toward people affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).
Several years on, ACE Hub Wales is now co-leading work to become a trauma-informed nation with people and organisations across Wales. To help achieve the aim of a trauma-informed Wales, this phase of the campaign builds on the success of previous years by creating an emotionally charged TV advert that encourages a kinder, more compassionate society, so that everyone feels supported to thrive.
We have created this stakeholder toolkit, so you can support our mission to encourage everyone to do their best to be kind. It’s not just one person’s job. It’s all of ours.