Join a Live Empower Session

30th April 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT

Live Online

Recording available for 12 months

£75 or free for Empower members

“Trauma-informed” has become a buzzword in our sector—but what does it actually look like in day-to-day library work?

In this live session, I’ll guide you through what being trauma-informed really means in a library context. No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, kind, and practical insight into why this work matters—and how we can all play a part, whatever our role or setting.

We’ll explore the realities of trauma, why it shows up in libraries, and how to respond in ways that are supportive for others and sustainable for you. Whether you're leading a team, working the front desk, or designing services and spaces, this session is about embedding care and awareness into your work in small but meaningful ways.

What We’ll Cover

By the end of the session, you’ll be able to:

• Understand what trauma is—and why it's more common than we think

• Get to grips with what “trauma-informed” means (and what it doesn’t)

• Recognise the impact of trauma on library users, colleagues, and ourselves

• Identify simple, real-world ways to make your work and workplace more supportive

• Feel more confident in your ability to show up with care without burning out

Why This Work Is So Important

Studies show that around 90% of adults experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. The original ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study found that 64% of participants had experienced trauma as children—events that shaped their adult health and wellbeing.

We often don’t know what people are carrying when they walk through our library doors. Trauma-informed practice helps us show up in a way that’s grounded, kind, and empowering—not just for others, but for ourselves too.

What’s Included

• A 2-hour live session with space for reflection and discussion

• Practical tools you can apply in your everyday work

• A printable quick-start guide to trauma-informed practice in libraries

• Recording available for 12 months

• Certificate of attendance (optional)

Care Statement / Trigger Warning

This session includes gentle discussion of trauma and difficult life experiences. You are warmly encouraged to take care of yourself—step away if needed, bring a cup of tea, or just listen if that’s all you have capacity for. Your wellbeing matters too.