UK Trauma Council
One in three children and young people are exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event by the time they are 18.
We know from decades of research that such exposure can increase the risk of later mental health problems, difficulties in personal and social relationships and new stressful experiences. However, through improved understanding, appropriate support and timely intervention we can reduce the negative impact of traumatic events on children and young people.
The UK Trauma Council (UKTC) is a group of leading experts, drawn from a variety of disciples across all four nations of the UK. We are the first UK-wide platform bringing together expertise in research, practice, policy and lived experience in the field of childhood trauma. The UKTC is hosted and supported by Anna Freud.
Access free, evidence-based resources for frontline professionals and carers that translate what scientists have learned, from studying the brain, about the impact of traumatic experiences like abuse and neglect.
View UK Trauma Council resourcesChildhood trauma and the brain
A general introduction to what happens in the brain after children face traumatic experiences in childhood, like abuse and neglect.
How the brain adapts to adversity
Professor Eamon McCrory explains what scientists have learned from studying the brain about the impact of abuse and neglect. For professionals and carers working with children.
Traumatic Bereavement: Helping children and young people who are struggling in schools & colleges
This animation introduces concepts that are key to understanding traumatic bereavement. It communicates evidence-based information from the UK Trauma Council, sharing our current understanding of the impact of traumatic bereavement on children and young people.
Research and practice
The UKTC provides ‘research round ups’, videos and blogs summarising the best of what’s new and interesting in childhood trauma research and practice.
Read the latest research roundupsResources
The UKTC offers resources to support individuals and organisations working to nurture and protect children and young people following trauma. You will find articles, animations, videos, guidance, handouts, presentations and more – all created by the UK’s leading childhood trauma experts.
Discover the UKTC's resourcesTraining
The UKTC delivers trauma training courses, based on the best available evidence, to support you in your work with children and young people.
Find out more about our coursesPolicy
The UKTC influences public policy to improve the help children and young people receive following potentially traumatic events and experiences. We share our collective knowledge and experience with the four governments of the UK through meetings and briefing's.
Read the latest policy briefingMeet the co-directors
Dr Eamon McCrory
Dr Eamon McCrory is a Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL where he co-directs the Developmental Risk and Resilience Unit. His research focuses on early adversity and behavioural problems in childhood. Using brain imaging and psychological approaches, Professor McCrory investigates the mechanisms associated with developmental adversity and resilience with a focus on the impact of maltreatment on children's future mental health.
David Trickey
David Trickey is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has specialised in working with traumatised and bereaved children, young people and families for more than 20 years. He continues to focus on direct clinical work, as well as the training and supervision of other practitioners. He routinely acts as an expert witness in civil and criminal cases and in 2018 was part of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence committee to revise guidelines on post-traumatic stress disorder.
This webpage features videos and an animation from “ Childhood Trauma and the Brain ” by the UK Trauma Council licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0