A Movement for Change
Supporting heroes, hard workers, and helpers addressing trauma in South Africa.
Turning the Tide of Trauma (TTT) is a South African movement committed to supporting, capacitating, and connecting the individuals and organisations working to prevent, address, and heal trauma across the country.
We serve those who serve — the therapists, educators, social workers, faith leaders, activists, community workers, and changemakers who stand at the frontlines of trauma prevention and care.
More than a movement, TTT is a collective awakening — a growing community of professionals and partners who recognise that trauma lies at the root of much of South Africa’s pain, undermining lives and limiting potential. But we also know that, with the right support, trauma work can become a powerful source of transformation, growth, and healing.
Emerging from the 2025 Turning the Tide of Trauma in South Africa Conference, the Movement was born from a shared call to action: to unite those working in the field, strengthen their capacity, and amplify the life-changing work already being done. In June 2025, TTT was formally registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) to give structure to this vision.
We are inclusive, collaborative, and non-prescriptive. Rather than promoting a single method or ideology, we honour the diverse voices, perspectives, and healing approaches emerging from communities across South Africa—especially those historically excluded from formal systems of care.
Whether you're working in mental health, education, justice, the arts, or grassroots activism—or whether you bring lived experience and want to contribute to a better future—there is a place for you here.
We envision a connected and resilient community of trauma practitioners and organisations, equipped to deliver impactful, accessible trauma services that help transform South Africa into a more peaceful, conscious, and flourishing society.
We invite you to join this Movement — one that supports those who support others — and together, help turn the tide of trauma in South Africa.
Through the diligent collaboration and commitment of TTT Movement members, the post-traumatic stress affecting communities can be transformed. By embracing benefit finding and post-traumatic growth, the gifts that adversity holds—if we have the courage to face it, make peace with it, and harness its power, we move forward stronger, wiser, and more conscious—as individuals, and as a nation.
The mission of Turning the Tide of Trauma is to support and empower trauma care providers through a collaborative platform that promotes connection, learning, and self-care—expanding access to transformative, trauma-informed services and fostering healing throughout South Africa.
Our vision is a trauma-informed South Africa where every individual and community has access to high-quality, compassionate support, enabling healing, resilience, and lasting transformation.
The Movement to Turn the Tide of Trauma exists to unite and support trauma-focused individuals and organisations in South Africa through collaboration, capacity-building, and shared learning.
We are a movement built on compassion, empowerment, inclusivity, and integrity. We engage with one another as respectful peers, uphold trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, and honour the dignity of all we serve. Our work is community-driven and justice-oriented, guided by empathy, professionalism, and a steadfast belief in the capacity for healing. We strive to inspire hope, nurture recovery, and foster meaningful transformation in individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Meet the dedicated leaders driving the Turning the Tide of Trauma movement forward, bringing expertise, passion, and commitment to healing and transformation across South Africa.
Director
Carol is the founder of the Valued Citizens Initiative (2001), a social enterprise advancing citizenship education, leadership, and social work practice across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. With a background in social sciences, communication, and public relations, she has designed and led programmes that have trained over 7,600 educators and 3,700 social work practitioners, reaching more than 1.6 million learners and more than 21350 family members. Passionate about building identity and resilience, Carole values innovation and has developed effective creative tools such as My Valued Diary and five art books emanating from the Sondela Open Dialogue programme. Honoured with France’s National Order of Merit and Legion of Honour, she continues to drive transformative social impact.
Director
Caroline has served in the education sector for the past 30 years, primarily as an English teacher and student counsellor. She currently works for the Roedean Academy where she strives to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth. Moreover, Caroline founded a small business, Butterfly Formations, which offers Life Coaching and Motivational Talks. Her mission is to assist her clients to discover their Unique Life Purpose and fulfil their Potential. Caroline was recognised for her book, Butterfly Moments: Encouraging Encounters at an Inner City School, in a Motion passed by the South African parliament.
Director
Christo has 28 years of experience spanning the child and youth care, education, youth development, and criminal justice sectors, Christo has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families. He has held numerous leadership roles, including as Director of James House Child and Youth Care Centre, National Youth Development Outreach, and as Development Manager at St George’s Home and City Year South Africa. Passionate about trauma resolution, he currently serves as Board Secretary of LifeSpheres South Africa and is also a Board member of LifeSpheres USA. Skilled in organisational leadership, fundraising, and programme innovation, he is committed to fostering value-driven partnerships and empowering others to thrive.
Director
Delene Rose is a certified life coach and the founder of Impact Life Coaching, with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. Drawing on her own journey through challenges and triumphs, Delene specialises in trauma recovery, leadership development, and adult ADHD strategies, helping individuals and communities achieve meaningful transformation. Her approach combines science-based coaching, neuroscience-informed strategies, and lived experience, ensuring practical, measurable results. Known for her authenticity, empathy, and results-driven methods, Delene inspires clients to cultivate balance, build resilience, and embrace a future-focused mindset. Passionate about sports, the outdoors, and holistic wellness, she channels her belief in human potential into creating lasting transformation.
Director
As a dedicated advocate for trauma recovery, Gillian has made it her life's mission to support fellow survivors, with a special focus on empowering youth to overcome the lasting impacts of childhood traumas. Her personal experience has fueled a passion to create safe, inclusive spaces for healing and growth, where individuals can process their emotions and reclaim their lives. With compassion and guidance, she works tirelessly to equip young people with the resilience and coping strategies needed to navigate the complexities of trauma. Through mentorship, education, and community support, she aims to inspire hope and foster a brighter future for those affected by trauma, helping them to rise above their experiences and thrive.
Director
Shaheda is the Director of Clinical Services at the Teddy Bear Foundation, where she has worked since 2000. A recognised leader in the field of child abuse, she developed and expanded the Foundation’s clinical and diversion programmes, including South Africa’s pioneering diversion programme for young sex offenders. She holds a PhD in child abuse and authored Children Who Sexually Abuse Other Children. Shaheda serves on numerous national task teams and committees on child protection, gender-based violence, trafficking, and diversion. She regularly presents at local and international conferences, contributes to academic publications, provides expert court testimony, and appears in the media. Widely respected for her expertise and advocacy, she continues to shape child protection policy and practice in South Africa, and has won numerous national and international awards for her pioneering work.
Founding Member and Consultant
Diana is passionate about facilitating human potential. She is the Founder and CEO of LifeSpheres, a nonprofit dedicated to trauma recovery and resilience. Drawing from over 20 years of experience and education in psychology, the human potential movement, and her work as an Applied Metapsychology and Traumatic Incident Reduction practitioner and trainer, she developed the PeerCommunity CoCare Programme. She founded LifeSpheres to steward the fidelity and expansion of the programme and establish it as a recognised and scalable solution for effectively addressing unresolved trauma. Her work has advanced trauma healing, mental wellbeing, and community empowerment in South Africa, the United States, Canada, Haiti, Turkey, and Uganda.