In September, the Rock Pool team took a train to Liverpool to host “Putting Trauma-Informed Policy into Practice” — a celebration of the remarkable commitment to trauma-informed practice across Merseyside and Cheshire. This region is truly leading the way in putting policy into meaningful action.
We heard powerful stories from practitioners, service leads, people with lived experience, and academic partners — all showing how Rock Pool Toolkits are supporting recovery and transforming services for those affected by trauma and adversity.
Our speakers offered a rich range of perspectives on trauma-informed practice in action, including Hannah Howard and Debra (South Sefton PCN), Ellie McCoy (Liverpool John Moores University), Alison Lovelady and Lisa Pinnington (Sefton Borough Council), Samantha McDonough (Cheshire East Council), Meena Kumari (H.O.P.E Training & Consultancy), and Ben Donagh (Victim Support UK). Their insight and enthusiasm made the day a true celebration of trauma-informed partnership.
For our team in Brixham, hearing these first-hand accounts was both inspiring and grounding. It reminded us why this work matters — and strengthened our commitment to supporting trauma-informed innovation in Merseyside and Cheshire. Exciting conversations are continuing with organisations and agencies across the region, and Rock Pool are looking forward to building on the momentum from this event.
Watch a short highlights video from our Liverpool event
One of the most inspiring highlights from Liverpool was hearing how the South Sefton Primary Care Network has integrated our ACE (now PAACE) Recovery Toolkit into their services — with transformational results.
We were priviledged to hear a very moving first-hand testimony from Debs, a programme participant who shared how the ACEs group helped turn her life around. Her story was echoed by Senior Researcher, Ellie McCoy (Liverpool John Moores University), who is soon to publish the evaluation report on the South Sefton PCN's programme:
Ellie Mccoy quote
“In 18 years of evaluating programmes like these, I have never seen the sort of positive impact as with the Rock Pool Recovery Toolkits.”
John Moores University's formal evaluation (soon to be published) demonstrates significant improvements in wellbeing, confidence, connection, and healthier behaviours — alongside wider system benefits, including reduced pressure on GP services.
Since running the ACEs programme, South Sefton PCN has been named “Primary Care Network of the Year 2024” - out of around 1,250 PCNs nationally. Their leadership team cited the ACEs Recovery Toolkit programme as a standout innovation that helped secure the award, recognising the strength of trauma-informed partnership working in improving lives and care systems.
The "Putting Trauma-Informed Policy Into Practice" event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passionate people, committed organisations, and evidence-based tools come together. The stories shared, the data presented, and the connections made all highlighted a region leading the way in trauma-informed innovation.
Most importantly, the day reaffirmed why this work matters: lives are being changed, services are becoming safer and more responsive, and a growing community of practice is taking shape across Merseyside and Cheshire. We left inspired, energised, and excited to keep building on this momentum in the months ahead.
Plans are already underway for a second regional event in 2026, this time in Hampshire — another area where Rock Pool has strong and growing partnerships. We look forward to sharing more details in the new year.