As Stockport-based Great Minds Together (GMT) moves into its annual national Behaviour Awareness Week (BAW) this week (September 22-28), the not-for-profit organisation has launched its third annual nationwide campaign calling on schools, care and residential homes to end punitive behaviour policies and adopt therapeutic and trauma-informed practices.
This initiative seeks to transform how educators and care providers address behaviour by fostering an understanding of the root causes of behaviour, creating safer and more supportive environments for children and young people.
Punitive approaches to school discipline, including suspensions, expulsions, and isolation, have long been linked to negative outcomes, including academic underperformance and long-term emotional trauma.
GMT urges educators and care providers to acknowledge underlying trauma, and respond with empathy, support, and restorative practices that promote healing rather than punishment.
Over the past twelve months, GMT has expanded its work to provide practical alternatives to punitive behaviour policies.
They have delivered targeted one to one interventions preventing wrongful hospitalisations and supporting families navigating neurodiversity, mental health, education, housing and social care systems.
They opened a new Community Engagement and Learning Hub in Stockport in 2025 offering workshops, training, family support sessions and community events designed to improve awareness and build stronger more connected communities.
As part of continuously recognising behaviour, GMT partnered with Murrays Medical to install their state-of-the-art sensory pod which provides a calming environment to help children and young people manage anxiety and emotional regulation which encourages to be used in education and medical settings.
Through Podcasts and Webinars and Behaviour Awareness Week events, GMT has amplified lived experienced voices and provided practical resources for schools, carers and families.
GMT’s CEO Emma Mander explains, that their goal “is to fundamentally change how schools, care and residential homes perceive and address behaviour.
"We know punitive measures do more harm than good. Young people with additional needs or who have experienced trauma need understanding and support, not punishment that exacerbates their difficulties.
"Trauma-informed approaches restore relationships, build trust, and equip young people with the tools to manage their emotions and behaviours.”
Emma added, “Over the past year we have seen the real difference our programmes make.
“Families tell us how our Outreach service has been life changing, our Tier 3.5 programme has prevented crisis and our new Community Engagement and Learning Hub is creating a vital space for collaboration and growth.
“We now need systemic change, so every school, care providers and residential homes adopt approaches proven to improve wellbeing outcomes.”
Emma continues, “Research consistently shows that therapeutic and trauma-informed schools see improvements in student behaviour, academic performance, and emotional well-being.
“By focusing on understanding and addressing trauma, schools and residential homes can create environments where young people feel safe, valued, and supported, which ultimately fosters resilience and academic success.”
GMT are calling on educators, parents, policymakers, and community leaders to join this movement to replace punitive policies with therapeutic and trauma-informed practices that prioritise young people’s mental health and well-being.
A petition is available to sign for supporters to pledge their support and encourage awareness, understanding and influence change to outdated behaviour policies.
The nationwide campaign launched to help foster awareness and a deeper understanding of behaviour in children and young people, BAW provides a platform to encourage educators, parents, policy makers and communities to re-think their approach to understanding behaviour. BAW continues to grow annually, gathering momentum to drive positive change in responses to behaviour in young people and help drive awareness of an alternative, therapeutic approach.
For further information on Behaviour Awareness Week and to find links to online seminars, and resources please visit https://greatmindstogether.co.uk/behaviour-awareness-week
To sign the petition supporting therapeutic and trauma informed practices in schools, care and residential homes, visit https://bit.ly/3U6H9VY
For more information about the campaign, Behaviour Awareness Week and to get involved, visit www.greatmindstogether.co.uk or email prandmarketing@gmt.team
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