CATH, From Training to Transformation
The Impact of Trauma-Informed Workshop Design on CATH’s On the Mend Programme
Background
In 2023, Sarah from CATH’s On the Mend programme first connected with Trauma Healing Together through an enquiry about participating in the Perth and Kinross Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival. This initial contact developed into a collaborative relationship over the following two years, during which On the Mend worked with Pathways to Hope clients.
As the partnership grew, Lou from On the Mend was offered a place on Trauma Healing Together’s Designing and Delivering a Trauma-Informed Workshop training course. Reflecting on the experience, Lou described the opportunity as “especially valuable,” noting that it provided practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to create emotionally safe learning environments.
Training Experience
The two-day training programme, designed and delivered by Trauma Healing Together, focused not only on the technical aspects of workshop design but also on the emotional environment in which learning takes place. According to Lou, the course was as much about the “feeling of the space” as it was about the content itself.
Unlike some training environments that can feel intimidating, the facilitators created a safe and welcoming atmosphere that allowed participants to focus fully on learning. Lou noted that the facilitators were attentive to individual needs and encouraged participants to take breaks or step away if they felt overwhelmed.
Both facilitators played a key role in shaping the experience. Their approach to teaching was gentle and well-paced, helping participants absorb the information without feeling overloaded.
Impact of the Training
The training has had a tangible impact on how On the Mend designs and delivers its workshops. One of the most significant shifts has been moving away from focusing solely on outcomes and instead prioritising the overall experience of participants.
Lou reports that learning to intentionally design workshops with emotional safety in mind has influenced several aspects of programme delivery. This includes considering room layouts and sensory needs, developing clearer session structures, setting expectations at the start of workshops and creating calmer, more predictable learning environments.
Since implementing these changes, staff feel more confident supporting participants who may experience distress during sessions. The approach has helped ensure that participants feel safe, respected, supported and capable of engaging fully in the programme.
Lou explained that the training has fundamentally changed her planning approach, saying: “I now approach planning with a stronger awareness of safety, regulation and choice. Having a properly structured workshop plan has been particularly invaluable to my day-to-day practice.”
While integrating the new approaches was not always straightforward, the process was supported by responsive communication from Trauma Healing Together and strong backing from CATH’s senior leadership team.
Organisational Benefits
The training has delivered benefits beyond individual practice. By embedding trauma informed principles into workshop design, On the Mend has strengthened its ability to support both staff and service users.
Staff report greater confidence when responding to participant distress, workshops now have clearer structure and consistency, and participants benefit from a calmer and more predictable environment. These changes have helped create a culture where wellbeing, safety and choice are central to service design. Leaders have also been able to add their certification to funding applications, demonstrating On the Mend’s commitment to being trauma informed.
Looking Ahead
On the Mend is enthusiastic about continuing its partnership with Trauma Healing Together while also expanding its work with other community organisations.
Alongside programme development, the organisation is also placing increasing emphasis on sustainability. The On the Mend shop promotes environmental responsibility by selling upcycled and recycled materials, and the team is encouraging greater volunteer involvement.
Staff have also continued their professional development and recently attended CALM Core Theory Training and Mental Health First Aid training as part of their ongoing learning journey.
Further Information
To learn more about the training offered by Trauma Healing Together, please visit Services for Professionals.
For further information about CATH’s On the Mend programme, please visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CATHOrgPerth.