Funding of £1.6 million has been allocated to local authorities
across Scotland to help deliver services that can safely support
people affected by psychological trauma and adversity.
The funding will allow local authorities to invest in training
and staffing to enable public and third sector services -
including health, education, justice and housing - to work in
ways that understand and support people affected by trauma. The
investment will also support involvement of people with
lived experience of trauma in the design and delivery of
services.
Sexual abuse, domestic abuse and childhood neglect are just some
of the many different traumatic experiences which can have
devastating and long lasting effects on a person’s life, if left
unsupported.
The award is part of the National Trauma Training
Programme, led by NHS Education for Scotland, which supports
the Scottish Government and COSLA’s aim for trauma-informed
workforce and services across Scotland.
Mental Wellbeing Minister said:
“Trauma can affect any one of us at any time, but we also know
that some people are more vulnerable than others, especially
children.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the prevalence and impact of
trauma into sharper focus than ever before.
“Scotland’s workforce, particularly those in frontline services,
have faced incredibly challenging circumstances recently and may
have experienced trauma in the course of their work and in their
personal lives. Supporting the wellbeing of the workforce and
involving people who have been affected by trauma in the
development and delivery of services are central to
trauma-informed ways of working.”
“This funding will support local authorities to work with
partners to further develop trauma-informed approaches, building
on the significant progress that has already been made in many
areas to better recognise and support people affected by trauma.”
COSLA President Councillor Allison Evison “Ensuring we have a
trauma informed workforce and that our services are delivered in
a trauma informed way is an essential part of how we will
continue to recover from the pandemic. Trauma has and will
affect individuals from all parts of our communities, as
well as a great many in our workforce who have been working
tirelessly on the frontline of the COVID response. It is
essential that we prioritise their mental health and wellbeing to
ensure they are best equipped to support those who are
vulnerable and to cope personally with the challenges they will
face.
I welcome this funding that will support Councils and our
partners to keep building on the excellent work that they already
do. It is another clear step in our shared ambition with
Scottish Government to enhance the essential services we deliver
and to ensure we provide the support and care that so many need.”
Background
The National Trauma Training Programme was established in 2018.
The education and training component is led by NHS Education for
Scotland (NES) and supported by the Improvement Service and other
partners. For more information visit NES Trauma Informed - Home
(transformingpsychologicaltrauma.scot)
This forms part of the Scottish Government commitment to better
preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and where ACEs
have occurred, to help children and adults overcome these
experiences and build resilience. Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
A Trauma Champions Network, consisting of senior leaders from
local authorities, health boards, health and social care
partnerships and other key community planning partners, is
helping to progress trauma-informed practice in local areas and
share learning across geographical and professional boundaries.
