Croydon Council is developing a new training programme to offer support and advice to residents who have experienced trauma.
The council is asking people who live and/or work in Croydon to complete a survey to help the training to ensure it meets the needs of the community.
The deadline is this Sunday, 27 March, and the free training programme is due to start in April.
Councillor Janet Campbell, cabinet member for families, health, and social care said: “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.”
The council hopes to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma across the community.
This means that 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 communities with the right knowledge and skills to enable any person needing help.
Sarah Jones, 20, from Croydon, said: “I had no idea that the council was doing this.
“I think it is a great idea as I do not think many other councils are doing this.
“It will definitely help our community, especially with my generation as I think we are going through so much trauma throughout the years.
“I know some of my friends that have childhood trauma and I believe it will be beneficial for them.”
Trauma experienced in childhood or as an adult can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s health and wellbeing.
Markieu Hayden, the 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.”
The survey can be found here.
