A Post-Card from our Winter Gathering
Twice a year, our trustees, staff, therapists and interpreter team come together from across the South West to connect, reflect and look ahead. It’s a brilliant mix of people, each contributing in different ways to our shared mission.
This winter, we were warmly hosted by our founder, Judy - now a trustee - and were delighted to welcome several new faces to the team.
We began the day by creating space for connection with a relaxed “speed mingling” session, helping people get to know one another beyond roles and titles. This felt especially important as new trustees and therapists supporting clients in Bristol, Somerset and Devon have joined the team.
We revisited why our work matters. Trauma has deep and lasting impacts on the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum, often compounded by the systems around them. But through our work across the South West, we impact on individuals, organisations and the wider system through:
Long-term, specialist therapy for complex trauma with high risk clients
Trauma training that educates and up skills professionals
Ongoing supervision to embed trauma informed practice across systems
The need for this support continues to grow, and we’re seeing that reflected in our work. In March 2026 alone, 22 refugee clients accessed 77 therapy sessions, an increase of 57% from the previous month. This step change reflects the impact of welcoming new therapists in Bristol, Somerset and Devon, and successfully matching them with clients.
What we are learning
As demand grows and the world becomes more complex, we reflected honestly on what we’re seeing:
Access to support is still unequal
Lived experience must be central to how we work
Sustainability is essential to long-term impact
Our team is our greatest strength
What we’re building
As we move forward, our focus is on steady, strategic growth: learning from pilots, strengthening what works, and shaping our long-term direction as we approach 25 years of TFSW. Key areas of progress include:
Expanding therapeutic access through new pilots
Strengthening training and supervision, including NHS partnerships
Embedding lived experience across governance and decision-making
Growing a diverse and skilled team
Our shared goal remains clear: to ensure no one is left to struggle alone.
Looking ahead
We will invest in organisational and professional development, with training planned across safeguarding, data protection and the immigration landscape, ensuring our work remains safe, informed and ethical.
We’re also beginning to plan our upcoming 25th anniversary, an opportunity to bring together creativity, history and ambition to mark this important milestone.
Before our lunch, we shared a quiet candle-lighting moment. It was an opportunity to remember and honour the people at the heart of our work, and to reflect together on the experiences that bring us to this shared purpose. A simple act of connection and collective care.
Afterwards, the day closed with a reminder: we are already building a centre of excellence in trauma-informed care in the South West, and together, we will continue to grow.
Rooted in compassion, powered by collaboration, and driven by courage.