Free Webinar: An Introduction to Multiple Disadvantage and Trauma Responses

How can a better understanding of trauma help us respond differently to people experiencing multiple disadvantage?

People experiencing multiple disadvantage may be affected by overlapping challenges including homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, involvement with the criminal justice system and domestic abuse.

This free introductory webinar explores how trauma can shape behaviour, emotional regulation, relationships and coping strategies — and how a trauma-informed approach can help practitioners respond with greater understanding.

The session will introduce the neurobiology of trauma, including the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), brain development and the threat-response system. It will also explore developmental trauma, the different ways trauma responses can present, and how behaviours sometimes viewed as “difficult” may instead be adaptive responses to threat and adversity.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• What we mean by Multiple Disadvantage and the overlapping challenges that can contribute to it
• The neurobiological impact of trauma, including ACEs, brain development and the roles of the amygdala, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex
• Trauma responses including fight, flight, freeze, fawn and flop, and how they can present in behaviour
• Developmental trauma and its impact on attachment, self-regulation and identity
• How trauma can show up physically, emotionally and behaviourally
• How coping strategies can be reframed as adaptive survival responses rather than pathology
• How overlapping identities can shape experiences of disadvantage and discrimination
• The six principles of trauma-informed practice: Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, Cultural Responsiveness and Empowerment
• Practical ways to apply a trauma-informed approach in day-to-day work

What will you take away?

Attendees will gain a practical framework for recognising trauma responses in colleagues, clients or service users rather than misreading them as “difficult” behaviour, alongside greater awareness of self-care when working with sensitive material.

The session will also provide practical guidance on making day-to-day practice safer, more trustworthy and more empowering for people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

Attendees will be introduced to further Rock Pool training pathways, including the SPACE Toolkit and Adult PAACE Toolkit, and will receive recommended further reading and follow-up video resources.

Attendees will also get access to a 20% discount on in-house facilitator training for up to 16 team members, with no licence fee and unlimited re-use of the Toolkit.

Who is this webinar for?

This webinar is relevant to professionals and practitioners working with people who experience trauma and multiple disadvantage, from frontline practitioners to senior leaders across children’s services, domestic abuse services, social care, policing, housing, health, the voluntary sector and more.

Want to explore the subject further?

This free webinar provides an introduction to multiple disadvantage, trauma responses and trauma-informed practice. Our Enhanced Webinar: Multiple Disadvantage – Understanding and Responding to Trauma Responses takes the learning further, exploring areas including Polyvagal Theory, attachment and sensory development, regulation, trauma stabilisation and the practical application of trauma-informed principles.

Each webinar can be attended independently, or together as a short learning pathway.

About your host

Sue Penna MSc, Dip Couns, Dip COT, FRSA is Founder and CEO of Rock Pool CIC and has over 30 years’ experience working with people affected by psychological trauma. A clinician, trainer and supervisor, Sue is widely recognised for her expertise in trauma-informed practice, domestic abuse and multiple disadvantage.