Person Centred Services recognises the significant affect that Trauma has on people who experience it, and the critical importance of working in ways which recognise that impact, and provide services and supports in ways which do not re-traumatise or cause further distress for survivors. 

 

What are Trauma Informed services?

​

“Trauma-informed services do no harm i.e. they do not re-traumatise or blame victims for their efforts to manage their traumatic reactions, and they embrace a message of hope and optimism that recovery is possible. In trauma-informed services, trauma survivors are seen as unique individuals who have experienced extremely abnormal situations and have managed as best they could”.

(Dr Cathy Kezelman)

 

Person Centred Services Trauma-informed supports are based on the understanding that:

• a significant number of people living with mental health conditions have experienced trauma in their lives

• trauma may be a factor for people in distress

• the impact of trauma may be lifelong

• trauma can impact the person, their emotions and relationships with others.

 

We recognise that trauma-informed approaches do not involve trying to distinguish “symptoms” from the impact of trauma – they recognise that “symptoms” are often responses to trauma and seek to provide services and supports in line with six core trauma-informed principles:

​

1. Safety – emotional as well as physical e.g. is the environment welcoming?

2. Trust – is the service sensitive to people’s needs?

3. Choice – do you provide opportunity for choice?

4. Collaboration – do you communicate a sense of ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing to’?

5. Empowerment – is empowering people a key focus?

6. Respect for Diversity – do you respect diversity in all its forms?

    

(Blue Knot Foundation)​