Anna Freud Learning Network Seminar focus on Childhood Adversity and Trauma
Last week, the Anna Freud Learning Network held its first seminar and networking event on the topic of Childhood Adversity and Trauma, at Camden Town Hall.
Tying in with the Network’s aims to share and discuss research and innovative practice, the event brought together a cross-sector audience to hear about innovative research and practice that cuts across children’s social care and public health.
Over 80 people joined us for the afternoon event, representing a range of professions including social workers, commissioners, clinical leads and students.
The event was opened by the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nadia Shah, marking her continued support for the Centre as her chosen charity during her mayoral year.
Jason Strelitz, Assistant Director in Public Health across Camden and Islington then spoke about trauma informed approaches in universal settings, and the public health impact of early childhood trauma.
His discussions were followed by Anna Freud National Centre experts Dr Sheila Redfern, Head of Specialist Trauma and Maltreatment Services, and David Trickey, Consultant Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, each presenting their respective areas of work.
Sheila spoke about the Centre’s Reflective Fostering Programme, a mentalization-based group for foster carers of children aged 4-11 years, while David discussed Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention as a model for bridging the gap between exposure to trauma and future possible presentation of stress disorder. The talks were recorded and can be watched here.
David said: 'The event successfully enabled us to share the groundbreaking and innovative work of the Centre with relevant professionals around London. The questions and discussions following the short presentations were particularly useful for allowing audience members to find out more about the evidence behind the work and our plans for further development as well as asking specific questions relevant to their own areas of work.'
This was followed by a question and answer panel and a drinks reception which saw an encouraging number stay on to continue discussions, build new practice links and to share learning.
This was the first event held by the Anna Freud Learning Network with a view to kick-starting a seminar series across the country. To find out more about the network, upcoming events and to join, please visit: http://www.annafreud.org/about-us/anna-freud-learning-network/