What Is Trauma?
"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." gov.uk
Trauma is more common in Scotland’s population than previously thought. Research tells us that very high rates of people who have lived through trauma will experience mental health or substance misuse issues or spend time in prison.
The Scottish Government states that ‘Trauma is everyone’s business’ - this does not mean that everyone needs to be or indeed should be an expert on trauma. But we all need to recognise and understand how to respond to someone who has been affected by trauma.
As result of a growing awareness of the impact that trauma can have on an individual’s life experiences and outcomes, the SG launched the Transforming Psychological Trauma: Knowledge and Skills Framework for the whole Scottish Workforce in 2017.
CrossReach has made a commitment to supporting our whole workforce to become Trauma Informed. This will help people to access and engage with our services better than before. It will also support the psychological safety of our employees who will be better equipped to recognise and respond in the right way, no matter what role they have.
