Building a Space for Future Survivor-Informed BTAN Reports
At the BeyondTrauma Advisory Network (BTAN), we believe survivors are the true experts on what works — and what urgently needs to change. This forum has been created as the dedicated home for our future BTAN survivor-informed reports, where lived experience will guide the development of safer, more compassionate systems.
This illustrative example shows how BTAN will transform survivor testimony into practical, systemic reform across policing, health, and social services. Through listening, learning, and acting, we are laying the foundation for the detailed reports that will be published here in the months and years ahead.
"When I finally found the courage to report what happened, the worker kept focusing on what I should have done differently. I left feeling judged — like the abuse was my fault."
— Anonymous survivor testimony
Stories like this shine a light on the very gaps BTAN aims to address through future reports shared in this forum.
This example illustrates how:
staff misunderstand trauma responses
harmful questioning reinforces shame
systems accidentally retraumatise survivors
Experiences like this form the foundation of the survivor-informed analyses we will publish here.
This example demonstrates the methodology BTAN will use in the future reports shared on this forum:
Modules designed for police, social care, health, and justice professionals.
Ensuring professionals understand the real-world impact of their practice.
Directly shaped by lived experience and current research.
Helping organisations embed survivor-centred approaches.
This forum will document each stage of this approach through our future BTAN reports.
Once BTAN’s recommendations are rolled out, we expect to document improvements such as:
Fewer complaints about insensitive questioning
Increased survivor trust in frontline services
Trauma-informed environments replacing intimidating settings
All frontline staff trained in trauma-aware practice
Survivor feedback embedded into organisational quality assurance
These outcomes — once measured — will appear in the formal BTAN reports published in this space.
This forum will become BTAN’s hub for:
future survivor-informed reports
professional evidence summaries
examples of best practice
case studies submitted by BTAN members
As this forum grows, BTAN will be gathering:
survivor-informed practice examples
service improvements shaped by lived experience
policy changes introduced by members
early data on trauma-informed outcomes
Your contributions will help shape the future reports published here, to be a part of this, you can share your experiences here: https://forms.gle/69WjCF1R7DsidocZ6
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
ACCPH Accredited • 6 CPD Points
A practical and engaging exploration of trauma, its impact on the brain, body and behaviour, and how professionals can create safer, more effective and compassionate environments for people affected by adversity and trauma.
Delivered by Mayameen Meftahi BEM, Founder and Lead Trauma Specialist at BeyondTrauma Academy CIC and creator of the award-winning BeyondTrauma™ Recovery Programme, this training brings together professional knowledge, lived experience and survivor-informed insight to provide a deeper understanding of trauma and recovery.
Combining lived experience with professional practice, Mayameen offers insight into the realities of trauma, the responses that can sit beneath behaviour and the practical approaches that can support people more effectively.
This training moves beyond theory, helping professionals understand the real-life impact of trauma and how to embed trauma-informed principles into everyday practice.
Understanding Trauma
Develop a clearer understanding of trauma, adversity and the ways traumatic experiences can continue to influence thoughts, emotions, behaviour, relationships and everyday functioning.
The Brain, Body & Survival Response
Explore what happens when the brain and body perceive threat, including the role of adrenaline and survival responses, and why these responses can continue even when immediate danger has passed.
Triggers & Trauma Responses
Understand how obvious and less obvious triggers can activate trauma responses and how these may present through anxiety, avoidance, anger, withdrawal, emotional numbing or other behaviours.
Looking Beneath Behaviour
Explore how behaviours that can appear challenging, disengaged or difficult may make greater sense when viewed through a trauma-informed lens — helping professionals move away from judgement and towards understanding.
Trauma-Informed Communication
Consider the impact of language, professional interactions, trust, choice, boundaries and communication on someone who has experienced trauma.
Creating Safer Professional Practice
Explore practical ways professionals and organisations can reduce the risk of further distress, promote emotional and psychological safety and embed trauma-informed principles into everyday interactions and environments.
From Understanding To Application
Apply the learning to real-world professional practice and consider what can be done differently within your own role, team or organisation.
This training is suitable for professionals and teams working with children, young people or adults who may have experienced trauma, adversity, abuse or violence.
It can support work across:
Education • Health & Social Care • Criminal Justice • VAWG & Survivor Services • Community & Voluntary Organisations • Frontline & Support Services
No previous specialist trauma training is required.
3 Hours • Half Day • Full Day
Training can be commissioned for organisations and professional teams through live online or face-to-face delivery.
Longer formats provide additional space for discussion, reflection, practical application and exploration of trauma-informed practice within the organisation’s own setting.
ACCPH Accredited • 6 CPD Points
Participants completing the accredited training receive certification recognising their continuing professional development.
Give your team the knowledge and practical understanding to look beyond behaviour, recognise trauma responses and respond with greater awareness, compassion and confidence.
