Wales and Scotland have both developed National Trauma Strategies. How come there is not an equivalent strategy in place in England?
IRCT is collaborating with others to initiate a campaign for the development of a National Trauma Strategy for England
The Welsh Government has developed a Trauma Informed Wales Framework stating their reasons for doing so as follows.
During our lives we may all experience traumatic events. Most of us will develop ways to cope with such experiences and will continue our lives without any long-term consequences. We may receive help and support from our families, friends, or others in our community. We must never underestimate the importance and value of such social connections. For some of us, the magnitude of these experiences is such that we will need longer-term specialist help to recover from the impact of trauma. These experiences are likely to have an impact, not only on our physical and mental well-being, but also on our families and relationships with others. We know people affected by trauma may lose trust in individuals and services. However, we have seen examples of where adopting a trauma-informed approach can help to rebuild trust and relationships. This Framework is a significant step in raising awareness and understanding of how trauma can impact on everyone’s lives and provides a consistent way of helping people who have experienced trauma. It is a milestone in our journey towards becoming a trauma-informed nation. Importantly, the Framework helps us to understand the roles we have, and the difference we can make by simply being kinder, more compassionate and more understanding of each other.
The Welsh Government has made support for people’s mental well-being a priority. We recognise that good mental well-being is important to help people realise their potential and cope with life’s challenges. Responding in a trauma-informed manner can improve positive mental well-being. We want to see public services, third sector organisations, communities and individuals adopting this Framework and embedding it into practice, so that all interactions with each other and the people we serve, are based on a trauma-informed approach. Through collective action we know we can make a difference.
We strongly believe working in a trauma-informed way can transform lives, help those living with the impact of trauma to heal and, importantly, empower people to cope or seek help to cope with the many challenges life brings.
Sylvia Duncan and Jon Reid recently met with MP Jess Asato who is passionate about improving policy and practice to support the well-being and recovery of the most vulnerable members of our communities. She is Chair of the APPG for Children and IRCT is collaborating with this APPG on trauma related issues. Following our discussions with her, she has said she would be willing to raise a question in the House of Commons to the Minister for Children & Families to establish what plans the Government have to develop a National Trauma Strategy for England. IRCT are working with others to provide a briefing document to support this campaign.
We will provide updates as they become available.