Attachment & Trauma Difficulties In Children & Young People Conference 2019

I recently joined Medica CPD as Events & Marketing Assistant and ‘Attachment & Trauma, Difficulties in Children & Young People Conference 2019’ was my first conference with the company and I have to admit I found the whole day an amazing experience as not only was I working at the event I got to listen to the speakers too! I was a little worried that the conference might be too academic, but I needn’t have worried. It was a fantastic learning day for all our delegates, as well as me!

The conference brought together 100+ education, health and social care professionals who gained a better understanding on attachment & trauma difficulties, and lots of practical information and strategies, so they can best support the children & young people they care for. This aim was definitely achieved judging by the feedback on the evaluation forms. We couldn’t have had a more tranquil setting for the event either the MacDonald Crutherland Hotel which definitely added to the experience.

“A fantastic, inspirational day with a lot of learning to take on board”!

I knew the day was going to be special when John Timpson, Chairman & Owner of Timpson, began his presentation. John’s presentation was inspiring! He spoke about his first-hand experience of fostering 90 children with his late wife Alex, their lightbulb moment when attachment was explained to them and coming across the work of Dan Hughes. This helped them understand some of the more challenging behaviours they encountered!! John also talked about the ‘Alex Timpson Foundation’, a charity set up in tribute to his wife which is dedicated to improving awareness and understanding of Attachment Disorder. Through the charity, John continues his wife’s work in raising awareness, and he has written several easy-to-read books on attachment which are available for free in all Timpson stores. I will always remember John’s presentation as it was so powerful yet so simple in delivery, he held the attention of every single individual in the room.

“Sir John Timpson is and Inspiration”!

I thought John’s inspiring presentation would be a tough act to follow. However, on came Tony France, Director of Headsight Services and WOW what a fantastic speaker! Tony spoke on developing trauma informed practice in schools, as most of the delegates work within schools the information given was very relevant. Here are a few golden nuggets from Tony -

“ACE’s often last a lifetime… But they don’t have to… Healing can occur, and the cycle can be broken!”

“Why we need Trauma informed education? It is known to significantly improves success & mastery, and there is an 89% reduction in exclusions.”

“To be therapeutic is to act in ways that have a positive effect on another’s body and mind and; supports a person to manage their distress and build their resilience.”

The day was filled with superb speakers who did not disappoint. Sam King, Project Manager Mental Health & Wellbeing from Barnardo’s Renfrewshire, provided an overview to set the scene first thing in the morning and reminded everyone about the power of relationships! She spoke of the importance of acknowledging that trauma can take different forms and can affect people in different ways, and the understanding of trauma leads to the development of better support services & systems.

As a dog lover, I had a personal soft spot for our speakers Suzanne Ruby & Kirsty MacQueen from Paws for Progress! Suzanne & Kirsty spoke about how they use creative dog-assisted interventions to help children and young people through tough times. Paws for Progress Ambassadog Bug was our VIP guest and demonstrated a few tricks during the lunch break as well as taking a shine to Martin Crewe from Barnardo’s but maybe it was because his nose sniffed out his lunch!!

The final session I attended was a breakout session with Amanda Jordan, Couple and Systemic Psychotherapist from Kibble Education and Care Centre. Amanda’s session focused on practical strategies and encouraged group discussions. The group opened up about struggling with difficult situations they face within a classroom setting, and together with Amanda’s guidance came up with ways they can apply their knowledge and understanding of attachment & trauma to improve the classroom environment for vulnerable children & young people.

The ‘Attachment & Trauma Difficulties in Children & Young People Conference 2019’ was a fantastic learning day for all our delegates, as well as myself! The day packed with knowledge updates, practical information and inspirational speakers. There was so much good content on attachment and trauma I wished I good have listened to the speakers all day but alas I had work to do!! I look forward to working on next years attachment and trauma conference 2020.