Trauma Awareness
Detail:
Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as harmful or life threatening. While unique to the individual, generally the experience of trauma can cause lasting adverse effects, limiting the ability to function and achieve mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being.
In Hertfordshire we have an important part to play in understanding that anyone can struggle due to experiences of trauma at any point in their lives. In March 2023 we launched an all-age, all-partner trauma strategy, seeking to recognise trauma histories are a possibility for everyone. Therefore, we must assume that people have had traumatic experiences and adjust our service delivery to prioritise supporting our workers and those accessing our services to feel safe and supported, with emphasis on promoting safety, trust and building relationships and agency.
People can heal from trauma, and some thrive in spite of it. Trauma adapted people often have unique strengths and abilities that develop in response to high-stress environments which can make them more effective at certain tasks. When we ask ourselves ‘What happened to this person?’ we can also ask ‘What are their strengths?’
This introduction to trauma elearning module has been developed by a multi agency panel and is essential for ALL those that work with children and / or adults.