Conversations on Promising Practice: Envisioning a Trauma Sensitive City

*JOIN US AT MTU BISHOPSTOWN, CORK, FOR THIS FREE EVENT

Presented By/Facilitated By:

• Dr Judith Butler - Sports, Leisure & Childhood Studies, MTU Cork campuses
• Dr Annie Cummins - Sports, Leisure & Childhood Studies, MTU Cork campuses
• Dr Sharon Lambert, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork

Seminar Description

This upcoming conference marks a significant milestone in Cork's journey towards becoming Ireland's first trauma-sensitive city. This event will serve as a platform to share experiences and exchange knowledge about trauma-sensitive approaches and practices. The conference will feature distinguished speakers who will highlight the innovative interventions and support services available to those impacted by trauma. We are honoured to have Dr. Sharon Lambert as our keynote speaker, along with other outstanding presenters who will share their expertise and knowledge. Join us in celebrating Cork's commitment to creating a more supportive environment for all.

A trauma-sensitive city is a community that takes a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on individuals and society as a whole. This involves creating a safe and supportive environment that recognises the prevalence of trauma and seeks to prevent re-traumatisation. Through collaboration between community members, organisations, and service providers, a trauma-sensitive city can create a coordinated response to trauma and support those affected by it. This upcoming national conference serves as an ideal platform for experts, researchers, practitioners, and educators to share their experiences and exchange knowledge about trauma-sensitive approaches and practices.

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr Sharon Lambert, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork

Dr Sharon Lambert joined the teaching staff in the School of Applied Psychology in 2014 following a number of years working within community-based settings that provided supports to socially excluded groups. Sharon’s research interests revolve primarily around the impact of psychological trauma on development, its link with substance dependence and mental health, and consequent considerations for service design and delivery.

Sharon conducts research projects based within community settings in collaboration with relevant stakeholders –these organisations span statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations. Sharon has completed research projects with Focus Ireland, Novas Limerick, HSE Inclusion Health, YouthRise, An Garda Siochana, Alcohol Action Ireland, National Family Support Network, Youth Work Ireland, the National Ambulance Service, The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Cork City Fire Service, Traveller Visibility Group, HSE Addiction Services, and many more.

The research looks at both primary psychological trauma (Adverse Childhood & Community Experiences) and secondary traumatic stress. The impact of trauma on wellbeing and outcomes is explored and the application of research and theory to service delivery is of significant interest.

Sharon is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, sits on a range of internal and external committees and was appointed to the statutory Parole Board by the Minister for Justice.

• Dr Rebekah Brennan, Research Lead – The SOAR Project, University College Cork

Dr Rebekah Brennan is Research Lead for The SOAR Project for Access to Higher Ed for underrepresented groups at University College Cork. She is also Research Lead for Cork Drug and Alcohol Task Force, clients include Housing First and Boxing Clever Cork. She is a Lecturer and board member for the Diploma in Substance Misuse and Addiction for Adult Continuing Education at University College Cork and a Lecturer for Cork Prison Addiction Studies. Rebekah’s research primarily focuses on the evaluation of social inclusion service initiatives.

Presented in Association with:

• Cork City Council
• Cork Trauma Sensetive City
• Cork Education and Training Board

Proudly Supported by:

• The Teaching & Learning Unit, MTU Cork campuses, Learning Communities Initiative