May 31: Parenting Through Trauma Conference
The Women’s Resource Centre and some of their Community Partners will host a Parenting Through Trauma Conference on May 31st which is “designed to support mothers, fathers, and all caregivers who are navigating the challenges of parenting while healing from trauma.”
A spokesperson said, “The Women’s Resource Centre is proud to announce its upcoming Parenting Through Trauma Conference, taking place on Saturday 31st May 2025, from 9am to 5pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI]. Tickets are $20 and include lunch.
“Hosted in collaboration with community partners Family Centre, SHIFT, Simply Bloom, The Coalition for the Protection of Children, and the Gina Spence Programme, this full day conference is designed to support mothers, fathers, and all caregivers who are navigating the challenges of parenting while healing from trauma.
“Childhood trauma has a profound and lasting impact on emotional, cognitive, and behavioural development. Children who have experienced trauma may face difficulties with attachment, regulation, learning, and trust.
“For parents and caregivers, understanding these effects is essential but just as critical is the opportunity to process their own trauma in order to respond to their children with compassion and clarity. This conference addresses both: offering insight into how trauma shapes a child’s development, while also guiding parents through the process of healing alongside their children to build stronger, more secure relationships.
“The importance of this conference is further underscored by the social and economic challenges that many families in Bermuda are currently facing. Rising living costs, unstable housing, and limited access to mental health services all place additional stress on parents who are already carrying the weight of personal or intergenerational trauma. These realities make parenting even more complex and make spaces like this conference not just valuable, but necessary. Now more than ever, families need accessible resources, community support, and practical tools to build resilience and restore hope.”
Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre, shared why this conference is so urgently needed within the community. “Parenting is one of the most demanding and meaningful roles a person can take on, and when a parent is also carrying the weight of their own unresolved trauma, the challenges can be magnified.
“At WRC, we see first hand how trauma impacts one’s ability to parent effectively. Many of the women and families we support are not just seeking tools for raising children, they are searching for ways to break generational cycles, rebuild trust, and create homes that are safe, nurturing, and healing.
“This conference is a direct response to that need. It is both a learning space and a therapeutic space, offering practical strategies, emotional support, and the power of shared experience.”
The spokesperson said, “Additionally, the Women’s Resource Centre recognises that the need for support in parenting through trauma extends beyond mothers and female caregivers. Fathers and male caregivers are equally impacted and often lack access to dedicated resources that speak to their specific experiences. In response, this event has been intentionally opened to include men, in recognition that meaningful healing and progress must involve the whole family.”
“To truly address the socio-emotional challenges our community is facing, both mothers and fathers must be actively engaged in this vital work,” Ms Crockwell continued. “Healing is a collective journey, and inclusive spaces like this conference are essential for lasting change.”
The spokesperson said, “The Parenting Through Trauma Conference will feature a robust schedule of expert led workshops, including: How Exposure to Trauma Impacts Children by Family Centre, Rebuilding Safety: Nurturing Secure Attachments by Simply Bloom, Grief & Loss Support by the Gina Spence Programme, and The Healing Power of a Genuine Apology by SHIFT.
“In addition, the Parenting Together: Co-Parenting workshop, facilitated by the Coalition for the Protection of Children, will support caregivers in strengthening their co-parenting relationships for the benefit of their children.
“A unique component of the conference will be the opportunity for male and female caregivers to participate in gender specific breakout sessions, creating space for honest, confidential, and supportive dialogue among peers. These sessions will allow participants to connect through shared experiences and foster a sense of community.
“The day will close with a panel discussion and final reflections. Throughout the event, all partner organisations will be present to share information about available resources and support services for families navigating trauma and parenting.
“This event is not only for those currently in crisis, but for any parent or caregiver committed to growth, healing, and parenting with intention.”
Ms Crockwell concluded, “This conference is for anyone who believes that, no matter our past, we can choose a different path forward for ourselves and for our children.”
The spokesperson said, “To register or learn more, please contact the Women’s Resource Centre at 441-295-3882, email wrc@wrcbermuda.com, or visit www.wrcbermuda.com.”
