Abstract
BACKGROUND: Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a critical approach for addressing the mental health needs of individuals exposed to various forms of trauma, including racial discrimination. Community mental health services are uniquely positioned to support both service users and staff in navigating the psychological impact of societal and interpersonal events. However, there is limited research on how these services can effectively address racial trauma, foster culturally responsive care, and support staff wellbeing within trauma-informed frameworks. This study examines the experiences of staff at a community psychological intervention service in the UK in supporting service users during the 2024 UK far-right riots. It investigates the challenges faced and lessons learned for enhancing care-delivery. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was employed, using an online survey completed by 31 staff members, including Clinical Psychologists, Psychological Practitioners, Psychotherapists, Trainee Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists. The survey consisted of Likert-scale, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the responses. RESULTS: Findings indicated that most staff engaged in race-related discussions but often relied on service users to initiate them. Key barriers included discomfort, lack of training, and uncertainty about appropriate responses. Organisational and peer support mechanisms, such as supervision and reflective practice, were valuable but constrained by time pressures. Participants highlighted the need for ongoing training and clearer protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasises the importance of proactive race-related discussions, culturally responsive care, and structured organisational support within trauma-informed practices. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research are proposed to strengthen long-term efforts in addressing racial trauma and supporting staff in community mental health settings. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-13036-6.