In this episode of Community In Mind, we explore trauma-informed approaches and why co-production with young people must sit at the heart of meaningful mental health support. 

Please note: this episode touches on sensitive topics, including trauma and references to self-harm. Please listen in a way that feels right for you and seek support if needed. 

Even before 2020, almost half of adults reported experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) — such as poverty, discrimination, abuse, bereavement or caring responsibilities. Since the pandemic, every child and young person has lived through at least one significant adverse experience. While not all difficult experiences lead to trauma, adopting trauma-informed approaches helps organisations create environments grounded in safety, trust, collaboration and peer support. 

We’re joined by Caroline, a psychotherapist with extensive experience creating supportive environments for young people, and Paddy, who brings lived experience and was part of a co-production project shaping a trauma-informed framework. Together, we explore what trauma-informed care looks like in practice, the importance of youth voice in shaping services, and how organisations can move beyond consultation towards genuine co-creation. 

This conversation reflects the Charlie Waller Trust’s commitment to co-production. The Trust works alongside families, education settings, workplaces and community organisations to strengthen early mental health support. We use the Lundy Model when working with lived experience partners, including Youth Ambassadors and parents and carers. This podcast series itself has been co-produced, with Youth Ambassadors leading on design, development, hosting and editing, supported by Trust mental health professionals. 

As always, the views shared in this episode reflect personal and professional perspectives and are not a substitute for clinical advice. 

Further Resources Charlie Waller Trust 
Mental health and wellbeing resources for those supporting children and young people, including webinars, wellbeing action plans, guidance on asking for help, and whole-organisation training for workplaces, universities, schools, colleges and community settings. 
https://www.charliewaller.org/ 

Evidence-based guidance on supporting young people after trauma 
Materials from Professor Sarah Halligan and colleagues: 
https://childtraumarecovery.com/ 

Mind – Youth Voice Network 
Learn more about youth-led and co-produced mental health work: 
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-and-participating/youth-voice-network/ 

UK Trauma Council resources: 
https://uktraumacouncil.org/resources 

Recommended reading 
The A–Z of Trauma-Informed Teaching (Primary) 
https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-az-of-traumainformed-teaching