Underlining trauma-informed care by amplifying stories of recovery

On Thursday, the 28th of October, Blue Knot Foundation will hold their digital ‘Festival of Healing’ celebrations for their annual Blue Knot Day. Showcasing a list of speakers, – including survivors, supporters and practitioners – with important stories to share, 2021’s Blue Knot Day will surround the theme of “building a trauma-informed community”.

A number of virtual and interactive experiences will be provided to audiences wanting to understand more about trauma and how to be a part of a trauma-informed community.

For over twenty years, Blue Knot Foundation has advocated for the needs of survivors with experience of complex trauma and a community that supports their healing and minimises the risks of additional trauma.

By empowering recovery and fostering hope, Blue Knot Foundation has always prioritised building a community that is empathetic, understanding and, importantly, trauma-informed.

Blue Knot Day is an Australian national day that calls on all Australians to unite in support for the more than 5 million (1 in 4) Australian adults who have experienced complex trauma.

In 2021, the Foundation’s vision of a trauma-informed community will be harnessed through the engagement of unique, diverse, and important stories, and an exciting list of events and activities.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston will formally launch a range of activities available across the day through social media and online.

“Blue Knot Day is an opportunity to highlight the important work being done for the Australians affected by complex trauma, and the carers and families who support them,” Minister Ruston said.

Following Minister Ruston’s address, short sessions for survivors and those who support them will be offered for audiences, and a list of spokespeople will be sharing their own healing journey – what has helped them, as well as the barriers that they have faced when seeking support.

Similarly, practitioners, including those with lived experience, will share some resources and activities as tools for grounding.

Dr Cathy Kezelman AM, President of Blue Knot Foundation, a national leader in trauma-informed practice and complex trauma with her own lived experience of trauma and recovery, has emphasized the importance of Blue Knot Day.

“Blue Knot Day is a day for survivors, acknowledge strengths and possibilities for healing alongside the need for hope, support, and connection.” Dr Kezelman said.

“After another year of uncertainty and devastation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation is particularly excited to unite supporters and survivors across Australia, to underline the importance of trauma-informed care, and properly equip our communities with resources surrounding trauma and pathways to healing.”

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and closures, Blue Knot Day will host a number of interactive and engaging events virtually – all activities can be accessed digitally through Blue Knot’s social media and include activities such as trauma-informed yoga, meditation, grounding activities, and more.

There are also two free educational webinars which delve into complex trauma and how to build a trauma-informed community and are available for booking through pre-registration.

We also invite you to get involved and share what a trauma-informed community means to you across social media by using the hashtags #blueknotday #mentalhealth #traumainformedcommunity

To learn more about Blue Knot Day and to pre-register for the online webinars, please visit: https://blueknot.org.au/get-involved/blue-knot-day/

Lourdes Antenor

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Lourdes Antenor is an experienced writer who specialises in the not-for-profit sector and its affiliations. She is the content producer for Third Sector News, an online knowledge-based platform for and about the Australian NFP sector.

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