UON academic to support major new trauma response project

A new project focused on tackling and treating trauma that can lead children in care into the criminal justice system has academic support from a University of Northampton (UON) professor.

The Crysalys Foundation is leading the project and will be working closely with organisational partners University of Northampton, Northamptonshire Youth Offending Service, Service Six, Stand Out Northamptonshire and The Chrysalis Programme.

Northamptonshire criminal justice system data indicates that up to 70% of youth defendants are children in care or children in need.

The partners will offer 25 young people and their families a diverse package of free interventions including digital platforms, 1-2-1 support, group work, mentoring, life skills and professional therapy.

The project outcomes aim to include improved health and wellbeing, increased family support, reduced violence and offending and demonstrating a cross-sector trauma response model.

UON Professor of Child Advocacy Eunice Lumsden is acting as consultant for the Crysalys project, offering her expertise working with traumatised children. She will also support Crysalys to evaluate the project.

The project will operate until April 2025 with the first eight referrals received in January. Once the pilot project is complete, it is hoped it will continue to a full project for at least another three years and then integrate and sustain the approach.

University of Northampton’s Professor of Child Advocacy, Eunice Lumsden says: “There is nothing more important than investing in children, young people and families, yet over two thirds of youth defendants in Northamptonshire are children in care or children in need.  I am therefore delighted to have been invited to be involved in Trauma Response Northamptonshire, a project focused on doing things differently so that young people can do things differently.”

Crysalys Foundation’s Development Manager, Jane Deamer adds: “Our partnership have worked closely for over two years to make this project a reality. Together we can make a real positive difference to trauma-experienced children’s outcomes and lives.”

Service Six Chief Executive, Emma Campion says: “Service Six is very excited to be working in partnership to deliver the Trauma Response Northamptonshire project. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people and families in Northamptonshire.”

For further details please email jane@crysalys.org or call 07495 539 611.