Weaving trauma-informed approaches through learning and education settings – Wish 10 in Leeds
Compassionate Leeds is set up to support schools and education settings across the city as they work toward becoming more trauma-informed. This will enable settings to realise and recognise the wide spread and unequal impact of adversity and trauma so that they can effectively respond to trauma to enable healing and to prevent further harm.
The Compassionate Leeds team has now recruited to its full compliment, with an Education Co-Lead in post, working in an integrated way across health and social care, concerning children and young people impacted by adversity and trauma.
The 2025 Update
Pilot Project in North East Leeds
- One of the biggest updates is a new pilot project in the North East of Leeds. Nine schools are taking part in a special two-year journey to become trauma-informed.
- They’ll learn together, share ideas, and help create a model that other schools across the city can follow next year. It’s all about making sure every child feels safe and supported at school.
Leeds City Council’s Role
- Leeds City Council is also part of this journey. Different teams within the council are working on their own trauma-informed paths, learning how to better support children and families.
- The Area Inclusion Partnerships are also helping out, making sure children with additional needs are included and cared for.
Universal Offer for Professionals
- There’s a universal offer too—meaning anyone working in education, health, social care, or community organisations can join in.
- There are workshops, training sessions, and a Community of Practice where people come together to learn and share. The fourth event is happening in December, and you can find other sessions on Eventbrite under the Compassionate Leeds name.
Support through Youth Justice Service
- Compassionate Leeds is also working with the Youth Justice Service, helping young people who’ve had difficult experiences. This work connects with other projects like Safer Schools, making sure young people feel protected and understood wherever they are.
All of this is part of Leeds’ big goal: to be a child-friendly city where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive. Whether it’s in school, at home, or out in the community, trauma-informed practice helps adults understand what children need—and how to help them feel their best.
Their job is to help schools and education settings across the city become more trauma-informed—which means understanding how difficult experiences can affect children and making sure schools are kind, calm, and caring places to learn.
