Connected for Life was established in 2016 by Marie Blaney and Deirdre McLaughlin, psychology graduates, qualified social workers, and systemic practitioners with decades of experience in a range of settings, including Youth Justice, in both practice and management roles. Marie is a practice assessor and part-time systemic practitioner in ASCERT, supporting children and families impacted by substance misuse. Deirdre has completed a research master’s, is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, and a part-time lecturer in social work at Belfast Metropolitan College

Connected for Life aims to raise awareness of the far-reaching impact of trauma and adversity on individuals, families, organisations, and communities and to support those impacted, by delivering presentations, organisational training, and consultation and developing and delivering a range of interventions. They are currently supporting Early Intervention Lisburn’s Connected Minds project, which aims to support children’s mental health and develop a trauma-informed community in the Lisburn area by providing support for organisations, parents, and young people.