What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed practice is an approach to health and care interventions grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact an individual’s life and their access to services. Rather than a single technique, it is a way of thinking and working that asks organisations to realise the prevalence of trauma, recognise its signs, respond with compassion, and actively resist re-traumatisation.

In practice, it means creating safe, welcoming environments, training all staff in trauma awareness, and prioritising consistent, trusting relationships. The UK Government’s working definition emphasises that trauma-informed care is not "business as usual" repackaged — it requires cultural change led from the top, with existing practices continually challenged and reflected upon.