event details

Trauma informed practices for responding to difficult situations (Ballina, Bundjalung Country)

28 February 2023
10:00am – 3:00pm
Ballina Surf Club, 65 Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina, NSW
New practice resource launch and end of year networking lunch (Ballina, Bundjalung Country)
A cross-sector event


Come along to this event to network and connect with people who work within NADA member agencies, as well as non government, health, and community organisations. This event launches a new trauma informed practice guide to support non-government community and health workers in providing services that are safe places for consumers, their support networks, and staff. It will explore practical tips and strategies for responding to difficult situations using a trauma informed, person centred and strengths based approach.

Difficult situations in the context of service delivery can occur when a person accessing a service presents with behaviours that appear to be 'challenging' or 'concerning'. Difficult situations can arise when a consumer accessing a service is feeling frustrated, anxious, threatened or confused, or they are in a situation that triggers memories of past trauma. 

The event will provide: 
  • An overview of important elements that support the resource; 
  • Practical trauma informed strategies to respond to difficult situations; 
  • An opportunity to network and build referral pathways with other services and sectors to enhance collaborative practice;
  • A chance to hear from consumers and workers from non-government services about best practice for providing safe services;
  • A space to gather, eat and connect with other workers across the non government sector.
Forum activities will be facilitated by: Michelle Ridley (Clinical Program Manager, NADA), Sarah Etter (Clinical Director, NADA)

Panel discussion includes: 
Naif-Jamie Martin (Peer Worker), Raechel Wallace (Aboriginal Program Manager, NADA), Michelle Ridley (Clinical Program Manager, NADA) and Leone Crayden (CEO, Buttery).

About the resource: 
Over recent years, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental disasters such as bushfires and floods, the demand for support services from the non government sector has increased. In Australia, service providers (e.g. housing, domestic and family violence, alcohol and other drugs, children and youth) have experienced an increase in complexity and need, with people presenting for support with multiple issues. Some practitioners have reported also needing to manage more difficult situations in the context of delivering services. 

This practice resource provides information and practical tips for frontline workers across the non government sector, for responding to difficult situations using a trauma informed, person centred and strengths based approach. The resource discusses the impacts of trauma and how this affects people's responses to situations. It also provides practical strategies for reducing the likelihood of a difficult situation occurring within a service. 

The resource and workshops are supported by funding through the Social Sector Transformation Funds from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) via the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA). 

For more information, contact Michelle Ridley at or (02) 8113 1306.

To register, please click here

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