Croydon Council is developing a new free training programme to offer further support and advice to residents who have experienced trauma.
The council is asking people who live or work in the borough to complete a survey to help shape the training to ensure it meets the needs of our local communities.
The survey deadline is 27 March 2022 and the training programme will commence in April.
The council is working towards Croydon becoming a trauma-informed borough by raising awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma across our communities. This will mean statutory and voluntary organisations have a common understanding of trauma, its implications for the people affected and those working with them.
Those who attend the training will be better equipped to offer advice and support to people in their community and networks with the right level of knowledge and skills to enable any person of any age needing help and support, to feel heard, empowered and respected.
The trauma-informed training is being implemented with funding from Transport for London (TfL) and J3MS Consulting will lead this work for the council.
Trauma experienced in childhood or as an adult can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s health and wellbeing.
Those working with the most vulnerable children and young people, vulnerable adults and families, need to be aware of the high prevalence of trauma in these populations and that their experiences of trauma may affect engagement with services and support being offered.
Research shows that adults presenting with multiple or complex needs, such as homelessness, criminal offending, substance misuse and mental health problems – are very likely to have experienced trauma in their early life.
“Our aim is to ensure that any person of any age who has experienced trauma feels heard, understood, empowered and respected, and is supported appropriately.
“There are many different types of services, settings and roles which have contact and work with children and adults impacted by trauma. Developing trauma informed communities and workplaces will help improve service and individual practice response to children, families, and adults affected by adversities. We look forward to receiving the views of our communities, and people who work in Croydon in our survey.”
Councillor Janet Campbell, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Markieu Hayden, headteacher at Norbury High School for Girls, said: “We are pleased that Croydon Council is developing this necessary free trauma informed training. We know that adversity during childhood can cause stress and there is a strong link between early trauma and poor adult mental health, physical wellbeing and social outcomes.
“The training will help to build trust among those who have experienced trauma. It will also help people, schools and organisations in Croydon to understand the common and diverse elements of the impact of trauma so that we are fully informed about how to recognise trauma and can offer appropriate support to those affected.”
