… those are the magic words I love to hear. š§” One piece of feedback I hear time and again is how relevant my trauma-informed practice training feels to the everyday work in museums, galleries and heritage sites. I really love hearing that. Having worked in the cultural sector for over 20 years, including inContinue reading “Not just theory but practice…”
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Trauma-informed practice: myth vs reality
Over the past several years, Iāve delivered trauma-informed practice training for museums and galleries in the UK and abroad. One of the most interesting parts of this work has been hearing how museum workers understand or interpret the term before the session begins. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common misconceptions I’veContinue reading “Trauma-informed practice: myth vs reality”
One small thing, one small change…
This week it was a pleasure to work with Koestler Arts in introducing trauma-informed practice within an arts organisation. Koestler Arts is an incredible organisation, running an exhibitions and awards programme that celebrate artwork created by people in prison. The training explored: Understanding trauma and how it impacts people Trauma-informed principles in practice – safeContinue reading “One small thing, one small change…”
Knowing what to expect. Why it matters.
Many forms of trauma come from a feeling of powerlessness, lack of choice and control and are often experienced in relation to other people. Other people can be the sources of the trauma itself. This can make it difficult for people with lived expereince of trauma to trust and feel safe around šÆš¦šø people. WhichContinue reading “Knowing what to expect. Why it matters.”
Blood, Sweat and Tears – a case study
I first met Jules Wooding, Museum Manager at the Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, through one of my online Trauma-Informed Practice in Museums training sessions for the Northern Military Museums Network in early 2026. During the session, Jules shared the story of Blood, Sweat and Tears, an exhibition co-created with veterans who had served inContinue reading “Blood, Sweat and Tears – a case study”
Art and mindfulness training
š I can stick a pin in Lithuania on my map of the world museums I’ve worked with! I’m determined to work with a museum in every country in the world. Will I achieve this ambition? Probably not, ha! But I’m having a lot of fun trying. Here’s some lovely feedback I received about myContinue reading “Art and mindfulness training”
Even if you only meet them once.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. It is a glorious blue sky here in Manchester, the blossom is out and I’m wearing my green cardigan. I’ve decided it’s going to be a good day. āļø In some ways that’s thanks to the work of Dr James Doty, founder and director of theĀ Center for Compassion and AltruismContinue reading “Even if you only meet them once.”
Creating safety – the facilitator’s role
God, I’m in my element hereā¦ can you tell? Talking about art, mindfulness, mental healthāand just how hard it can be sometimes to be human in the 21st century. The photographer captured a beautiful snapshot of a really great session. Thanks, Helen! This is a glimpse of a group of strangers experiencing that all-important senseContinue reading “Creating safety – the facilitator’s role”
Doing ‘the work’ and loving it.
Iām off to, what is fast becoming my second city, Liverpool to deliver a creative wellbeing workshop at Walker Art Gallery for North West Federation of Artists. A colleague asked me if Iād still be delivering workshops in my new life as a museum consultant. āOf course!ā I replied, probably a bit too enthusiastically, asContinue reading “Doing ‘the work’ and loving it.”
‘What can we do to help?’ It’s a simple question but it means so much.
Happy Friday everyone, whatās been your Highlight of the Week? Mine was zooming with the senior leaders from The Armory Arts Centre, in Pasadena, California. The Armory has recently been at the frontline of a major disaster with the LA wildfires decimating huge parts of their local community. They got in touch with me to discussContinue reading “‘What can we do to help?’ It’s a simple question but it means so much.”
