Helping Professionals
Communicate With
Vulnerable People
Evidence-informed communication, consultancy and training
Building Blocks of Communication helps professionals communicate effectively with vulnerable people through evidence-based training, consultancy and specialist communication support.
It supports professionals, organisations and families to communicate effectively with children and vulnerable people in ways that are developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed and evidence-based.
Developed and led by Dr Kimberly Collins, Chartered Psychologist, Intermediary, researcher and former Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, specialising in communication, vulnerability and trauma.
Why Building Blocks of Communication?
Communication is the foundation of every meaningful interaction. For children and vulnerable people, communication influences every aspect of life – from learning and relationships to healthcare, support services and access to justice.
Whether you're conducting an investigative interview, supporting a child in education, parenting, delivering healthcare, undertaking assessments, or helping a child disclose difficult experiences, effective communication matters.
Yet many professionals receive limited training in:
- Child development
- Trauma-informed communication
- Neurodiversity
- Reluctance and engagement
- Emotion regulation
Building Blocks of Communication bridges the gap between research and practice.
Our Key Services
Communication Support & Consultancy
Expert Witness
Service
Training
& CPD
Research &
Evaluation
Meet Dr Kimberly Collins
Dr Kimberly Collins is a Chartered Psychologist, Intermediary, researcher and trainer with over 19 years of experience specialising in children and vulnerable people’s communication, trauma and vulnerability.
Having worked as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, researcher, trainer and practitioner, Kim combines academic expertise with extensive real-world experience. She supports vulnerable people across a range of different complex settings, including the justice system, education, health and social care.
Kim has delivered training and consultancy to police forces, legal professionals, intermediaries, healthcare organisations, universities and other public sector organisations both nationally and internationally. Kim is also a Trustee of Intermediaries for Justice and contributes to national working groups developing the future of intermediary practice.
She is passionate about helping professionals develop the confidence and skills to communicate effectively with vulnerable people, ensuring that every individual can be heard, understood and supported.
Trusted by organisations including:
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Ministry of Justice
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Crown Prosecution Service
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National Crime Agency
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Durham Constabulary
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Northumbria Police
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Cleveland Police
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North Yorkshire Police
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Derbyshire Constabulary
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Surrey Police
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British Transport Police
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Cumbria Police
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Teesside University
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University of the West of Scotland
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Liverpool John Moores University
