In this short article, Professor Andrew McDonnell discusses a recent paper on polyvagal theory, and its implications for practice in the caring professions. Stephen W. Porges is an American psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. Porges is also currently the Director of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, studying the effects and impact of trauma. Porges developed polyvagal theory in 1994, a co

'Trauma-informed practice' is a phrase we hear more and more in our work, but what really is trauma, and how can we learn to recognise it? This simple guide illustrates how trauma can affect the body, and how to support distressed individuals. This is a basic guidance note to support understanding and highlight some potential physiological effects of trauma. This is not an exhaustive note and is not specific to any individual. What is Trauma? Trauma is the result of singular

Gareth D Morewood interviews Claire Ryan of ChatterPack on supporting SEN pupils during the Covid-19 crisis with practical resources and strategies Free online resources from Chatterpack Due to the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK and abroad, many young people are now being educated at home or remotely. This is a particularly challenging period for children with special education needs and their supporters. Claire Ryan, founder of ChatterPack - an amazing online tool for educat