Trauma-Informed Champions
Training people in custody to facilitate structured Peer Support Circles, strengthen peer leadership and help embed trauma-responsive practice across the prison.
Duration:
Delivery:
16 Weeks
Two-day specialist training
16 weekly delivery of support circles
Group Size:
Cost:
Maximum 8-10
prisoners
Contact us for current delivery
costs
Facilitator:
From Healing to Helping Others
About the Programme
Trauma-Informed Champions transforms lived experience into purposeful peer leadership. Selected participants receive two days of specialist trauma-informed facilitation training, delivered by a HBB psychotherapist. Champions then facilitate 16 structured Peer Support Circles using psychoeducation, creative activities, grounding and somatic regulation practices to explore trauma, emotions, relationships, addiction and recovery.
Supported by detailed session plans, practical resources, reflective supervision and clinical oversight, Champions work within clear boundaries while modelling hope, responsibility and healthier ways of relating. The model extends learning beyond the original programme and helps embed compassionate, trauma-informed and trauma-responsive practice throughout the prison community.
Why this Programme Matter
Learning and insight can be difficult to sustain once a programme ends, particularly within the pressures of prison life. Trauma-Informed Champions create opportunities for that work to continue through connection, reflection and practical support. The role enables people in custody to transform lived experience into purpose, leadership and positive contribution, while helping others feel understood and less alone.
Through structured Peer Support Circles, Champions reinforce emotional awareness, regulation and healthier relationships. This creates internal capacity, extending trauma-informed learning beyond one group and helping build a safer, more connected and trauma-responsive prison culture.
Whats Included
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Champion selection, consultation and interviews
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Two-day specialist training delivered by a psychotherapist
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Trauma-Informed Champion Handbook and facilitator guide
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Sixteen structured Peer Support Circle session plans
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Participant workbooks and practical facilitation toolkit
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Experiential, sensory and emotional-regulation resources
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Ongoing reflective supervision and clinical oversight
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Outcome measures, evaluation and implementation support
What the Training and Champion Role Develop
Trauma-Informed Champions are trained peer leaders who build on the knowledge, skills, and insight gained through the Healing Beyond Bars programme. Using their lived experience, they promote emotional wellbeing, recovery, and trauma-informed practice across the prison community while working within clear boundaries, structured guidance, and ongoing supervision.
Facilitation Skills
Champions learn how to lead structured Peer Support Circles, guide activities and encourage participation without pressure. They develop the confidence to ask reflective questions and create spaces where people feel heard and respected.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Champions deepen their understanding of trauma, emotional distress and survival responses. They learn how to support reflection and regulation while recognising the limits of their role.
Reflective Supervision
Champions receive ongoing reflective supervision from a Healing Beyond Bars psychotherapist, providing space to consider group experiences, challenges, boundaries and their continuing development within the role.
Communication and Connection
Training develops active listening, trust and respectful communication. Champions learn how to respond calmly during difficult conversations and support others without judging, advising or trying to fix them.
Safety and Boundaries
Clear boundaries are central to the Champion role. Training helps Champions recognise when someone needs additional support and understand when and how to involve prison staff or specialist services.
Personal Growth and Transferable Skills
The role supports confidence, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and accountability. Champions also develop communication, leadership and facilitation skills that can support rehabilitation, education, employment and future reintegration.
Positive Peer Leadership
Champions use their lived experience to inspire hope and demonstrate that change is possible. They model responsibility, emotional awareness and healthier ways of relating across the prison community.
Structured Peer Support Circles
Champions facilitate 16 structured sessions exploring trauma, emotions, relationships, addiction, shame, identity and recovery through psychoeducation, creative reflection and practical regulation tools.
Creating Change from Within
By sustaining learning and strengthening peer connection, Champions help embed trauma-informed and trauma-responsive ways of understanding, relating and responding throughout everyday prison life.
Interested in Bringing Healing Beyond Bars to Your Prison?
This programme is delivered by request and can be adapted to suit the needs, culture, and context of each prison setting. If you'd like to explore how it could be introduced in your prison we’d be happy to talk.
Enquire Now to explore availability, delivery options, or simply to start a conversation.
