Launching How We Heal CIC: Trauma Recovery and Wellbeing for Survivors in the East Midlands
- Donna Navarro
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
We are proud to announce How We Heal CIC (Company No. 16615459). We are a newly incorporated in July 2025, active Community Interest Company, dedicated to supporting trauma recovery and wellness, supporting survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and all kind of emotional trauma across the East Midlands.
Our mission is simple: to create safe, trauma-informed, and body-based pathways to recovery through yoga, somatic practices, and wellbeing programmes designed with survivors in mind.
Why We Started How We Heal CIC to support trauma recovery & wellbeing in the East Midlands
How We Heal CIC was born from a deep recognition that survivors and those living with emotional trauma need more than traditional talking therapies. They need safe, body-based approaches that support healing at every level.
Our founding director brings together an uniquel and valuable blend of experience:
Professional background in law and public protection – with years spent working in the probation service and teaching in prisons, supporting both survivors and those who have caused harm.
Significant yoga teaching experience – teaching yoga to diverse communities and specialising in trauma-informed practice.
Training in somatic coaching – helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and build resilience.
Academic expertise – holding a law degree, which underpins her understanding of justice, rights, and safeguarding.
Since 2022, she has delivered trauma-informed wellbeing programmes commissioned by Women’s Aid and other local partners. The results were clear: survivors reported greater resilience, improved sleep, reduced pain, reduced anxiety, a greater ability to self-regulate, an improved relationship with the self and with others, and a renewed sense of safety in their bodies.
Creating How We Heal CIC to support trauma recovery and wellness in the East Midlands was the natural next step — to formalise this work as a dedicated not-for-profit, expand partnerships across the East Midlands, and make trauma recovery and wellness programmes accessible to more people.
What We Offer
Our programmes currently focus on:
Women-only group sessions – safe, supportive spaces where survivors can reconnect with themselves and others
One-to-one sessions – personalised trauma-informed support tailored to individual needs
Partnership delivery – working with charities, community groups, and commissioners to integrate body-based wellbeing into wider trauma survivor services
These approaches help survivors develop resilience, reduce symptoms of trauma, and rebuild a sense of safety in their bodies and lives.
Why This Matters
Trauma is not just something that happens in the past — it lives in the body and can affect daily life in profound ways. Survivors and others impacted by trauma often experience:
Anxiety, stress, or burnout
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Physical tension and pain
Feelings of disconnection or being “on edge”
Our trauma-informed programmes provide practical tools for self-regulation, grounding, and resilience, helping people to rebuild trust in themselves and move forward in their recovery.
Looking Ahead
At How We Heal CIC, we are committed to making trauma recovery support accessible across the East Midlands. We will continue to work with survivors through partnerships with the VAWG sector, while also expanding our offer to anyone living with the impact of emotional trauma. As we grow, our vision is to make emotional trauma recovery and wellbeing in the East Midlands as accessible as traditional talking therapies — offering body-based pathways to resilience, empowerment, and healing.
We welcome collaboration with:
Survivors seeking safe and empowering spaces
Individuals experiencing stress, grief, or emotional trauma
Organisations, charities, and commissioners supporting people impacted by trauma
You can verify our registration with Companies House here: Companies House Record - 16615459.
Get in Touch
If you are seeking trauma recovery support, or if your organisation would like to explore commissioning trauma-informed wellbeing programmes, we would love to hear from you.
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