Join author Shumela Ahmed-Poole for an evening of conversation, reflection and celebration at the University of Stirling.

Learning from Lived Experience in Trauma-Informed Practice: An Educator's Guide for Schools, Communities and Beyond

Join author Shumela Ahmed-Poole for an evening of conversation, reflection and celebration at the University of Stirling.

Friday 20 November 2026 | 6.30pm–8.00pm (arriving from 6pm for drinks and nibbles)

University of Stirling | Free event | Booking essential

I'm delighted to invite you to the launch of my first book, Learning from Lived Experience in Trauma-Informed Practice: An Educator's Guide for Schools, Communities and Beyond, published by Routledge.

This book has been a couple of years in the making and brings together my lived, learned and professional experiences to explore what it really means to understand trauma, challenge the way we think about people and create more compassionate, inclusive and responsive systems.

While the book has education at its heart, the conversations it raises go far beyond the classroom. They're about whose knowledge we value, how we understand people's experiences, the importance of relationships, and what it takes to turn trauma-informed principles into meaningful change.

About the evening

I'm thrilled to be joined by Karyn McCluskey, Chief Executive of Community Justice Scotland, who will chair a conversation with a wonderful panel of people whose work has contributed to changing how we think about trauma, lived experience and public services.

Our panellists include:

Dr Sandra Ferguson – Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Public Services Delivery Scotland

Dr Caroline Bruce – Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Public Services Delivery Scotland

Sara Cullen – Author of Blood Red Sky

Claire O'Hara – Director, Each and Every Child

We'll explore the importance of lived experience in shaping knowledge and practice, the power of language and relationships, and how we can move beyond simply understanding trauma towards creating real change.

There will also be time for audience questions, conversation and, of course, a wee celebration!

Everyone is welcome. Whether you work in education, public services, the third sector, research, or simply have an interest in the themes of the book, I'd love you to join us.

Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Places are limited, so please book in advance.

The book will be available to pre-order from 9 November, ahead of publication on 30 November 2026. You can pre order a copy here: http://www.routledge.com/9781032650371

I really hope you can join me for what I hope will be a very special evening.

Shumela Ahmed-Poole

Description supplied by the event organiser.