Dementia Practice Series: Trauma-informed approaches to practice and care

The Dementia Practice Continuing Professional Development (CPD) series from the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP) at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) provide focused, practice-based learning for professionals working across health, social care, workplaces, and community settings.

Delivered as live online half-day sessions, these interactive courses equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to support people living with dementia and those who care for them. These sessions can contribute to CPD, revalidation (NMC, HCPC) and the achievement of professional objectives.

Sessions combine evidence-informed teaching, case studies, group discussion, and practical exercises, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, families, workplaces, and society.

Key topics include:

• Trauma-informed approaches to practice and care
• Ageing, Frailty and Dementia 
• Care Empathia – Dementia Skills 

A fourth session will be developed based upon participant feedback.

These sessions are designed for professionals across health and social care, HR and organisational leadership, community services, and informal caregiving roles, supporting the delivery of person-centred, compassionate, and evidence-informed care and support.

Upon completion, individuals will receive a Certification of Participation. 

 

Funding

Places on these sessions are available at no cost to participants, made possible through the generous charitable contribution of Sylvia Aitken Charitable Trust, The Barrack Charitable Trust and J Macdonald Menzies Charitable Trust. This support enables the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice at UWS to provide accessible professional learning opportunities in dementia care and practice.

 

Trauma-Informed Approaches to Practice and Care

This session explores how a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach can enhance practice across professional and informal care settings.

Participants will develop an understanding of different forms of trauma and how these experiences can affect psychological health, well-being, and engagement with care and support services. The session also explores the core principles of trauma-informed practice and how they can be applied in real-world care environments.

Through case studies and group discussion, participants will develop practical strategies for recognising trauma, supporting individuals who may have experienced trauma, and responding appropriately within their professional role.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for professionals in education, health, social care, and community settings, including educators, direct care staff, supervisors, and managers who work in emotionally demanding roles and want to develop trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to practice and wellbeing.

 

What you will learn

Participants will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its various forms.
• Explore the impact of trauma on both care providers and recipients.
• Develop an understanding of vicarious or secondary trauma.
• Learn the foundational principles of trauma-informed practice and care.
• Acquire practical skills to implement a trauma-informed approach in practice and care settings.

 

How you will learn

Delivered as a live, 3-hour online session, this course combines short presentations with interactive discussion, case studies, and group activities. The format encourages participants to reflect on their own professional context and develop practical approaches they can apply.

This session will take place on Wednesday 19^th August, 9.30am-12.30pm.

 

Course presenter

Eileen Harkess-Murphy is a Chartered Psychologist and BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, a member of the UWS Women’s Health Research Network, and Co-Lead of the Working with Dementia Network. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, with expertise spanning self-harm, suicide, trauma-informed practice, dementia, and complex mental health needs.