Customers
Provide support on how to best work with underserved populations
By prioritising safety, trust, equity, empowerment, and hope, our methodology ensures research is accessible, respectful, and impactful.
Impact measured against UN Sustainable Development Goals
We’ve refined our trauma-informed research approach to help organisations design and deliver more inclusive services that address the needs of underserved populations. By prioritising safety, trust, equity, empowerment, and hope, our methodology ensures research is accessible, respectful, and impactful.
Key principles for engaging underserved populations
- Safety: Prepare participants with clear information and frequent check-ins to create a secure environment.
- Trust and accountability: Be transparent about processes and follow through on commitments to rebuild trust in systems and services.
- Collaboration and equity: Actively involve marginalised groups and offer flexible participation options.
- Empowerment: Provide choices and validate experiences to foster dignity and confidence.
- Hope: Show participants how their input shapes services that positively impact their communities.
Practical steps for organisations
- Before sessions: Use participant-friendly information sheets, outline expectations, and plan manageable schedules.
- During sessions: Use empathetic, inclusive language, ensure ongoing consent, and avoid personal disclosures. Focus on understanding participants’ needs, not their past trauma.
- After sessions: Accurately represent participants’ lived experiences and share findings to demonstrate meaningful action.
Why it matters
Underserved populations often face compounded barriers and inequities. Adopting trauma-informed research practices helps organisations design better solutions by truly listening to and respecting the voices of those they aim to support.
Resources to guide your approach
We’ve drawn insights from experts like Jenny Winfield, Chayn, and key research on trauma-informed design to inform and support organisations looking to create inclusive, equitable solutions. By embedding these principles, organisations can deepen their understanding and serve underserved populations more effectively.
You can see more about the practicalities of our approach here