What Does It Mean to Be Trauma-Informed?

How GreenLeaf Homes Embeds the Six Principles of Healing-Centred Support

At GreenLeaf Homes, we believe that healing begins with how care is delivered, not just what support is offered. Many of the young women we welcome have experienced instability, loss, or trauma in their past. Our role is not to fix them, but to walk alongside them with compassion, consistency, and respect.

That’s why our approach is firmly rooted in the six principles of trauma-informed care: Safety, Trust, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural Sensitivity. These aren’t just ideals—they shape how we design our spaces, train our staff, build relationships, and support each young woman’s growth.

In this post, we explore what these principles mean in everyday practice at GreenLeaf—and how they help us create a sanctuary where healing and independence can truly begin.

Safety

“Before healing can happen, a young person must feel safe.” Abi Adesida,  Director

What we do:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments for every new resident to understand potential triggers and support needs.

• Establish consistent, easy-to-follow house rules to create a calm and predictable environment.

• Make sure all our spaces feel welcoming i.e. clean, warm, and personalised, not clinical or cold.

• Train staff in de-escalation techniques and trauma responses to avoid re-traumatising young people.

• Encourage young people to express what helps them feel safe whether that’s locking their door, sleeping with a light on, or needing alone time..

“In our homes, we have  soft lighting, quiet zones, and gentle routines to help young women settle in from day one”

Trustworthiness & Transparency

“Trust is built when young people know what to expect”. Abi Adesida,  Director

What we do:

• We share clear information from the start; how the home works, what’s expected, and what support is available 

• Clearly explain all house rules, curfews, and placement terms during induction, no surprises.

• Staff explain the reasons behind decisions, especially when they relate to placement planning, safety, or boundaries.

• We avoid making promises we can’t keep. Even when we don’t have all the answers, we commit to honesty.

• Involve residents in decision-making meetings and care plan reviews.

• Maintain open communication when things change (e.g. a new staff rota or upcoming inspection).

• Introduce placement welcome packs and visual guides to help young people feel in control during transitions.

‘If a routine changes, like a support worker going on leave, we plan to inform residents in advance to avoid sudden disruption’. Precious Benson RSM

Peer Support

“Connection with others who understand is powerful.” Abi Adesida,  Director

What we do:

• Facilitate weekly group activities like shared meals, crafts, or cooking nights that build community.

• Staff are trained to model respectful communication and help resolve conflict in a restorative way.

• Optional peer-led spaces, such as group check-ins, where residents can support each other at their own pace.

‘In our induction training session, we practise how to encourage shared routines without pressuring anyone to socialise—choice matters.

Collaboration & Mutuality

“Young people are not passive recipients, they’re active partners.” Abi Adesida,  Director

What we do:

• Co-create support plans with residents instead of prescribing goals to them.

• Hold regular key work sessions where they set the agenda, not us.

• Invite feedback regularly and take it seriously. If something isn’t working, we adapt.

• Recognise that power dynamics exist, and we actively work to equalise them through respectful dialogue.

• Residents are involved in building their support plans, choosing their goals, and voicing what works for them.

• Keywork sessions are designed to feel more like coaching than correction—staff ask questions, not just give answers.

• We seek feedback after move-ins, meetings, or activities to shape how we improve as a home and team.

 ‘‘As we prepare for placements, developing co-designed goal sheets and feedback forms tailored for young people’s voices Is key to our practices”, Precious Benson RSM

Empowerment, Voice & Choice

“Choice and control help rebuild what trauma often takes away.” Abi Adesida Director

What we do:

• We give young women daily choices: meal planning, how their room is set up, how and when they want to engage.

• Let residents choose daily routines E.g. what time to wake, what to eat, how to manage chores.

• Support them in setting their own long-term goals, whether that’s college, parenting, or employment.

• Give space for their cultural or spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, hair care, or dressing.

• We support flexible communication styles e.g. some may prefer journaling, others may want to talk during a walk.

• Our staff help identify personal strengths and celebrate even small steps, such as getting to an appointment, setting a boundary, or cooking a meal.

“We support residents in setting up budgeting goals using visual planners and simple weekly wins’. Precious Benson RSM

Cultural, Historical & Gender Sensitivity

Every young woman’s identity matters.

What we do:

• Our induction and ongoing training includes race, gender, and cultural sensitivity.

• We are actively building a diverse staff team and considering shared lived experience when allocating keyworkers.

• We respect cultural routines from prayer times to food preferences and offer flexibility around them. “Every young woman’s story is shaped by identity and that must be honoured.”

• Match keyworkers thoughtfully, especially when language, gender identity, or lived experience matters.

• Celebrate cultural events and holidays with residents’ input such as Eid, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, etc.

• Offer tailored emotional support for issues like racism, sexual exploitation, or being in care.

• Ensure our staff training includes modules on unconscious bias, gender-based violence, and systemic barriers.

“We’re currently preparing a calendar of inclusive celebrations like Black History Month, Pride Month and International Women’s Day to honour identity and belonging”. Precious Benson RSM

Putting It All Together: Healing Through Consistent, Human-Centred Support

At GreenLeaf, trauma-informed care isn’t a buzzword. It’s how we design our homes, train our staff, and most importantly, how we treat every young woman who walks through our door.

We believe that healing is possible. And it begins with care that listens, adapts, and empowers. 

We are ready to walk alongside her.

 If you're a professional looking to make a referral or want to learn more about our services, click here to contact us.