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Space for Space Holders: Embedding Trauma-Informed Wellbeing in Mental Health Organisations

Tracks
Cullinan Room: In-Person Only
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM

Overview

Amy Smith, Kindred & Consulting with Purpose


Presenter

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Mrs Amy Smith
Founder/Trauma-informed Mental Health Consultant
Kindred; Consulting With Purpose

Space for Space Holders: Embedding Trauma-Informed Wellbeing in Mental Health Organisations

Abstract

Frontline mental health workers carry the weight of providing essential support to individuals experiencing trauma, often while managing their own exposure to vicarious trauma and stress. While trauma-informed frameworks are often prioritised for clients, the wellbeing of the staff themselves is just as critical for creating sustainable, healthy work environments. This presentation will share insights from a trauma-informed wellbeing initiatives with mental health organisations, highlighting strategies to build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster psychological safety in the workplace

This approach to trauma-informed practice equips leaders and teams in mental health organisations with actionable tools to enhance workplace mental health, ensuring that those providing care are seen, supported, and prepared to continue their vital work.

Three Key Learnings:
1. Defining Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, and Burnout – Understanding how these challenges impact mental health workers and recognising early signs.
2. Trauma-Informed Leadership – Practical steps leaders can take to integrate trauma-informed principles, supporting both organisational and individual resilience.
3. Sustainable Wellbeing Practices – Implementing trauma-informed strategies to protect staff from secondary trauma, support mental health, and foster a culture of psychological safety and wellbeing.

Biography

Amy is an AASW Accredited Social Worker with a decade of experience across the mental health, community, and social services sectors. As the founder of Kindred: Consulting with Purpose, Amy is passionate about embedding trauma-informed practices to foster mentally healthy workplaces. Her notable projects include developing a trauma-informed wellbeing strategy for Neami National’s NSW leadership team, conducting mental health evaluations to inform organisational policy, and establishing community-led suicide prevention networks in regional and remote communities. Through Kindred, Amy equips leaders and teams to prevent vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, supporting sustainable wellbeing.
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