On 28 January, Homeless Link launched a new animation exploring the difference trauma-informed care can make in supported housing services, highlighting how small, intentional changes in practice can significantly improve client outcomes.
For people who have experienced homelessness, the transition into supported housing can be a moment of both relief and intense vulnerability. Many individuals arrive having experienced trauma over long periods of time – including violence, loss, instability, and repeated experiences of not being listened to or believed. These experiences can shape how people respond to new environments, authority, and change. Being trauma-informed means recognising the widespread impact of trauma, understanding how it may affect behaviour and engagement, and responding in ways that prioritise safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
The animation follows the first day someone moves into their accommodation. It highlights how simple actions – such as how someone is welcomed, how information is shared, how choice is offered, or how expectations are communicated – can help someone feel safer, and more in control, supporting better outcomes for individuals and services. Conversely, practices that prioritise compliance or speed over understanding can unintentionally re-traumatise people and undermine trust from the outset.
Alongside the animation, we have published a series of typical hostel scenarios, contrasting a non-trauma-informed response with a trauma-informed one. They are designed to support reflection and discussion, and to help services think practically about how trauma-informed principles can be applied in day-to-day work.
We encourage all homelessness services to watch the animation and consider where small changes in their own practice could have a meaningful impact. Trauma-informed care is not about having all the answers, but about being intentional, reflective, and committed to creating environments where people can begin to feel safe and supported.
