A training and consultancy service for frontline practitioners teaching how to understand and respond to young people through the lens of shame informed practice. This is for social workers, teachers, police, healthcare workers and anyone working directly with young people.
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Putting shame on the map in the youth sector
The Shame Initiative is a new initiative leading the way in shame-informed practice — the next evolution of trauma-informed care.
We believe shame is one of the most powerful, invisible forces shaping the lives of young people — especially those who’ve experienced care, exclusion, or marginalisation. Yet it’s rarely named, let alone understood. We’re here to change that.
The Shame Initiative is a movement to help youth professionals recognise, understand and respond to shame — in themselves, in their organisations, and in the young people they serve.
We’re building a practical, research-informed framework that combines:
Training for frontline professionals and organisations
Tools to apply shame-informed practice in working relationships
Consultancy and partnership with systems leaders
Collaboration with academics, funders, and policymakers
We’re starting by delivering a core foundational workshop, with pilots across schools, youth services, and care-experienced settings. All materials build on what already works — rooted in trauma-informed practice, but going deeper.
“To put shame on the map in the youth sector — developing shame-informed practice as the next evolution of trauma-informed care. Through training, consultancy, and collaboration, we aim to transform how professionals understand and respond to young people, and spark a national conversation that reaches practitioners, policymakers, academics, and funders alike.”
We’re currently piloting our first workshop and gathering feedback.
If you’re:
A school, youth org, or care setting interested in a training workshop
A funder, policymaker or researcher exploring this space
A practitioner with a story or perspective to share
We’d love to hear from you.
In the coming months, we’ll be:
Delivering pilot workshops
Publishing case studies and real-world reflections
Sharing our evolving shame-informed framework
Launching deeper training and consultancy offers
Be part of the shift.
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The Anti-Tribalism Movement believes that every young person is a born leader. With the right support, encouragement, tools, and opportunities, a young person can be confident enough to speak up, make changes, and pursue their aspirations despite social and economic barriers.
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The Spear Programme will equip you with the confidence, mindset and skills you need to succeed in work. Join us for six weeks, for free. Is this for me? You’re 16-24 You’re not in work or education at the moment You’re available weekday afternoons for four to six weeks