Innovating Minds

31/03/2026

Commissioning Models Are Turning Expensive Resource into Sign Posters

Why Old Commissioning Models Are Turning the Most Expensive Resource into Sign Posters Every LA has one resource that dwarfs every other line in the budget

24/03/2026

Why We Already Have a Provider Is Not a Commissioning Strategy - Having a provider is not the same as meeting need. And it is definitely not the same as changing the system.

Having a provider is not the same as meeting need. And it is definitely not the same as changing the system.

17/03/2026

How Children’s Services End Up Busy but Not Effective

The High-Effort, Low-Proof Trap: How Children’s Services End Up Busy but Not Effective

02/03/2026

In case you've missed it, we have been celebrating 10 years of Innovating Minds, founded by Dr Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist, built on the belief that trauma-informed, compassionate support can change lives (for children and the adults around them).

Join us to celebrate a decade of impact from Dr Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist and leading voice in trauma‑informed practice.

26/01/2026

Celebrating Amazing News at Innovating Minds!

We’re incredibly proud to share that Dr Asha Patel, our CEO at Innovating Minds, has been nominated for Social Entrepreneur of the Month!

Cause4’s Pick of the Month series shines a spotlight on inspirational leaders who are driving meaningful change across the charity and social enterprise sectors and Asha’s nomination is truly well deserved.

As a Clinical Psychologist and the visionary founder of Innovating Minds, Asha has dedicated her career to transforming mental health support through early intervention, trauma‑informed practice, and sustainable community‑focused models. Her work empowers schools, organisations, and frontline practitioners to create safer, more nurturing environments for children and young people.

This nomination recognises her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to improving lives, and we couldn’t be prouder. 💛

Please join us in celebrating Asha and the incredible impact she continues to make across the UK. 🌟


You can read more about the February Pick of the Month here:

Welcome to February's Pick of the Month! We’re excited to feature individuals who are making a real impact in the charity world. From creative social innovators to tireless charity leaders, their work is all about driving change and improving lives. We’ll take a closer look at their unique paths...

11/12/2025

Want some insights from the Bolton Domestic Abuse Conference? Download Dr. Asha Patel’s Presentation

Dr. Asha Patel’s insightful presentation, A Trauma-Informed Approach: Supporting Children & Young People Affected by Domestic Abuse, is now available for download.

What you’ll learn:

• How domestic abuse impacts the nervous system
• Practical strategies for supporting children and families
• Evidence from our Healing Together programme and impact reports

👉 Download the presentation now and take the next step toward trauma-informed practice: https://bit.ly/3M5QBHL →

02/12/2025

5 Signs Your Intervention isn’t Trauma-Informed. The term trauma-informed is everywhere, but many interventions fall short of the principles that truly support healing.

At Innovating Minds, we go beyond the buzzword. Led by Dr Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist and Founder, we define five essential features of trauma-informed practice:

· Grounded in neuroscience & relational theory
· Avoids re-traumatisation
· Flexible and safe delivery
· Inclusive and accessible
· Evidence-based and independently evaluated

Commissioning services that miss these principles can lead to ineffective support, or even harm.

In our latest blog, Dr Asha Patel shares what actually makes an intervention trauma-informed, and why it matters for commissioners, local authorities, and children’s services.

👉 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/g3Q4uM8N

01/12/2025

Let’s Build Trauma-Informed Schools Together: Innovating Minds has supported local authorities and schools to embed trauma-informed frameworks that transform outcomes for children and staff.

Now, we want to help you.

👉 Book a free consultation with Dr Asha Patel today: https://lnkd.in/gvyJ3YwG

· Reduce exclusions
· Improve staff wellbeing
· Align with Families First and social care reform

We would love to hear your thoughts:

💬 What’s your biggest barrier to implementing trauma-informed practice in schools?

💬 If you could change one policy to make schools more trauma-informed, what would it be?

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27/11/2025

Event Invitation

Domestic abuse leaves invisible scars.
Every child exposed to it carries the weight of fear, stress, and unpredictability—impacting their health, education, and future.

Kent Family Hubs are leading the way with a trauma-informed approach to support children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

Join the Kent Family Hubs team to hear practical strategies regarding implementation, the challenges faced and real outcomes from the Healing Together programme:

✅ Reduced child-to-parent violence
✅ Improved school attendance & engagement
✅ Positive help-seeking experiences

📅 Monday 8 December- 13:00 – 14:30
🔗 Register now: 4da1b589-e8d4-4b21-8d0e-a2bb8742c4a5@e162e4ee-054f-4b3c-8d39-75524ca8f2e9" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4da1b589-e8d4-4b21-8d0e-a2bb8742c4a5@e162e4ee-054f-4b3c-8d39-75524ca8f2e9

Let’s create safer spaces for children to thrive.

26/11/2025

Embedding Trauma-Informed Practice in Family Hubs: Lessons from the Field:

Article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embedding-trauma-informed-practice-family-hubs-7cq4c/?trackingId=QEqu3rEhxN91QE3YQmS1NA%3D%3D

25/11/2025

“That wasn’t our intention” isn’t a excuse to carry on with shameful and humiliating practice.

This is the phrase we often hear when we offer a trauma informed perspective on practice that is taking place.

Ideally we would like people to review and change practice - especially when it has been brought to their attention.

24/11/2025

Trauma-Informed Practice Isn’t a Catchword; It’s a Culture Shift.

At Innovating Minds, we believe every organisation has the power to become a safe, healing space. But it starts with understanding the 6 core principles of trauma-informed practice:

- Safety
- Understanding trauma’s impact
- Language that heals
- Intentional interactions
- Continuous learning
- Staff wellbeing & vicarious trauma support

In our latest blog, we break down each principle and share practical ways to embed them in your service.

👇 Read the full post: The 6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice: What Every Organisation Needs to Know

Let’s build cultures of care—one principle at a time.

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-principles-trauma-informed-practice-what-every-ydy5e/?trackingId=4O4gnQfgHOgRsoIoUAnGKw%3D%3D