Neighbouring VRUs

This course provides a foundational understanding of neurodiversity, exploring its impact on children and young people and the barriers they encounter in accessing support. Participants will learn practical strategies to effectively support neurodivergent individuals and promote positive neurodivergent identities within professional settings.

Exploring how to consider trauma and experiences when building safe spaces for people

5 mins

In this clip, we explore what trauma means and how it can manifest for different people.

5 mins

Here we talk about what it means to be aware of trauma, the impact it can have on people and how to adapt services to best support those with trauma.

6 mins

Exploring the different ways people can try and communicate with us. Those with certain types of trauma may show behaviours which allow us to understand them better.

4.5 mins

1.5 hours

Watch this 2 minute video to learn some safety tips and grounding techniques

Five-finger breathing technique:

• Hold up one hand
• Using the index finger of your other hand, point to the bottom of your thumb
• Trace the outline of the thumb and take a deep breath in as you go up.
• Pause briefly at the top of your thumb, then trace down and take a deep breath out as you do so.
• Repeat these steps with the rest of your fingers, and try to make the out-breather longer than the in-breath.

Sensory Activity

Think of:

• 5 things you can see around you
• 4 things you can hear
• 3 things you can feel
• 2 things you like the smell of
• Take 1 big deep breath

Make Lists

Distract yourself by listing things in a category for each alphabet letter. E.g., cities around the world, things that make you happy, things you can see in the room.

One page infographic

Exploring life on both sides of the prison doors

This episode dives into the reality of life after incarceration, the risk of reoffending, and how the system often fails those trying to rebuild. With more prisons than schools being built, it’s time we rethink how we support young people before and after custody.

Featuring: Nathan Shillingford – The Invested Man

Trauma can affect a young person before they are even born. In this episode, we unpack how trauma shapes development, behaviour, and long-term mental health—especially for those growing up in violent or unstable environments.

Featuring:

Dr. Chanelle Dennis – Founder of Melanin Moods

Talisa Mesquitta – Founder of Melanin Moods