The TICA Way: Trauma Awareness Training at Westbank

Matt Merriam, our Community Mental Health Development Lead for Eastern Devon, had the privilege of co-delivering The TICA Way: Trauma Awareness Training alongside Natascha Windheuser (CoLab) for Westbank Community Health and Care. The morning was filled with curiosity, honesty and practical learning about what trauma can do to the body, brain, relationships and sense of safety.

Matt Merriam explained; “Together we explored the stress bucket, the nervous system, fight/flight/freeze/fawn, the window of tolerance, adverse childhood experiences, co-regulation, physical/relational/logical safety, and what it means to support people without losing sight of our own boundaries and wellbeing.”

Natascha Windheuser added; “The staff and volunteers from Westbank Community Health and Care and were brilliant. They stayed super engaged throughout (in spite of it being a very warm day) with insightful questions and stories from their experiences in providing support. We learned a lot from the wonderful people who came to learn from us!”

The feedback received was incredibly encouraging. Attendees agreed they were leaving with new understanding of the brain, practical regulation tools, confidence to have harder conversations, and language they could use personally and professionally. One participant called it “one of the best courses I’ve ever been on”; another described the session as “very enlightening and engaging”.

Thank you to everyone who brought such openness into the room. If your team, volunteers or community would benefit from an accessible, practical and compassionate introduction to trauma awareness, Devon Mental Health Alliance would love to talk.

Get in touch to explore how we can bring a similar session to you by emailing matt.merriam@colabexeter.org.uk