Trauma-Aware Port Phillip
Our Port Phillip community
Our Port Phillip community is vibrant and diverse. Our nine neighbourhoods are home to more than 112,000 people of different cultures, languages, identities, and lived experiences.
Our community is known for its strong networks of connection and care. We are supported by over 200 local groups and services. Like any community, we face complex challenges. Some of us experience challenges such as housing insecurity, discrimination, mental health issues, and effects of trauma. These experiences can shape how we feel, behave, connect with others, and engage with services.
Why Trauma-Aware Port Phillip?
Trauma-Aware Port Phillip (TAPP) is a community-led, evidence-informed project designed to strengthen resilience and reduce the impact of trauma and shame in our community. We believe that being trauma-aware is the first step to creating a safer, more inclusive Port Phillip for everyone.
A trauma-aware community understands that trauma is common and can affect anyone: the people we support, our colleagues, our family, or ourselves. Trauma-awareness helps us think differently about what someone might be going through. It can change the way we relate to ourselves and others to reduce fear, shame, and judgement.
Purpose and aims
This toolkit is designed for everyone in our community: community members, our workforce, and our organisations.
It provides simple and practical guidance to understand trauma in our community and to increase empathy, safety, dignity, mutual support and culture.
This toolkit serves as an introduction to these ideas. Look into our references if you want to understand more.
This toolkit aims to:
- Increase understanding of the diverse ways trauma shows up in our lives.
- Reduce stigma, judgement and shame in our community.
- Help our community to engage more effectively.
How to use this toolkit
This toolkit is designed to be flexible and easy to use. We suggest you start with Understanding trauma and Understanding trauma in our bodies and then explore the sections of most relevance and interest to you.
Flick through the webpages or download the PDF here:
TAPP Toolkit. Version 2. 06.11.2025
Language
This toolkit uses person-centred, inclusive, and trauma-aware language. We recognise that language carries different meanings in different cultures, language groups, and demographics. We encourage you to be receptive to your own community on this journey.
Be mindful of triggers
When going into this work it is important to check in with ourselves. This material may reflect some of our experiences, which can be confronting. Being trauma-aware starts with our relationship with ourselves, so take space to breath whenever you need.