What began on a cold November night with a simple cup of hot chocolate and some open ears grew into a vibrant, inclusive space where young people, often misunderstood by schools and society, found a place to be themselves.

In this episode of Mind the Kids, ‘Home fae Home: Hot Chocolate Helping Trauma’ we step into the heart of a community transformed by compassion, creativity, and co-design. 

Join host Mark Tebbs as he meets the passionate team on a remarkable project; Charis Robertson, Anne McKechnie, Gary Kennedy, and Lindsey McIntosh—experts from diverse backgrounds including community development, clinical psychology, architecture, and design.

Hear how the Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee — a grassroots organisation that for over 25 years has offered refuge and belonging to young people often on the margins. 

Through a remarkable collaboration between youth workers, trauma-informed psychologists, architects, and designers, this episode explores an inspiring journey of transforming a historic church building into a sanctuary designed by the young people themselves. Using innovative and playful methods, the team engaged these youths in the co-creation process, listening deeply to their stories, needs, and visions to shape a space that truly feels like their own.

Hear the stories of small moments that sparked big change — from impromptu pancake parties to spray paint workshops — and discover how trauma-informed practice goes beyond therapy to embrace community, trust, and empowerment. This is about creating safe spaces that honour identity, choice, and belonging, where healing happens naturally through connection and creativity.

Whether you’re a youth worker, mental health professional, designer, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, this episode offers a deeply human perspective on how to listen, engage, and build environments that help young people not just survive, but thrive.

Read the paper in the CAMH journal 'Home Fae Home: A case study in co-designing trauma-informed community spaces with young people in Dundee, Scotland'