Trauma Training Programme extended

Advanced training for frontline workers to recognise and respond to the signs and impacts of trauma in childhood will be rolled out in three pilot areas.

The National Trauma Training Programme gives frontline workers – such as police officers, teachers and health visitors - a better understanding of the needs of children and adults who have been affected by traumatic experiences. Already 3,000 frontline workers have been trained and at least 5,000 will have been trained by March 2021.

Three councils - Glasgow, Midlothian and Argyll and Bute - will now share £120,000 of Scottish Government funding to develop bespoke training plans for the programme.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“Abuse, neglect and other traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, can have a devastating and long-lasting impact upon people’s lives.

“Frontline workers - who most frequently come into contact with people who have experienced trauma – must be able to respond confidently, with compassion and care. Not everyone needs to be an expert, but every interaction is an opportunity to support recovery and prevent re-traumatisation.

“Demand for training has already been very high and that is why three local pilot schemes in Glasgow, Argyll and Bute and Midlothian will develop the next, more in-depth phase of the training.”

Dr Sandra Ferguson, National Coordinator of the Trauma Training Programme at NHS Education for Scotland said:

“Over the first year of this programme, we have been delighted with the huge levels of enthusiasm and interest across Scotland.  Almost 3,000 people have received face-to-face training and many more have worked with the team to help their organisations become trauma-informed.

“Scotland was the first country to develop a Knowledge and Skills Framework for Psychological Trauma, and a lot of remarkable work is underway to improve how we all respond to the needs of people affected by traumatic and adverse experiences.

“This programme will help equip the workforce with skills and confidence to respond, in line with the principles of trauma informed practice.” 

A new animation, “Sowing Seeds” has been created for the next phase of the training programme aimed at people working with children and young people. It can be viewed here: https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/psychology/multiprofessional-psychology/national-trauma-training-framework.aspx