NEW pilot schemes to train frontline workers such as police officers, teachers and health visitors in dealing with trauma have been announced.
Three councils – Glasgow, Midlothian, and Argyle and Bute – will share £120,000 of Scottish Government cash to develop training plans.
The pilot projects are part of the three-year National Trauma Training programme announced in 2018, backed with £1.35 million.
So far, around 3000 frontline workers have been trained by NHS Education for Scotland, which runs the national scheme, to help them develop a better understanding of the needs of those affected by traumatic experiences.
Glasgow has identified alcohol and drugs, homelessness, community justice and mental health services as priority areas for the training.
Midlothian will use the funding for a new Recovery Hub for those affected by substance misuse, criminal justice, mental health challenges and social disadvantage.
In Argyll and Bute, the money will go towards training for people working with children and teenagers, such as social workers, child health teams and foster carers.
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.
Dr Sandra Ferguson, national co-ordinator of the Trauma Training Programme at NHS Education for Scotland, said: “We have been delighted with the huge levels of interest across Scotland.
“Scotland was the first country to develop a knowledge and skills framework for psychological trauma, and a lot of remarkable work is under way to improve how we all respond to the needs of people affected by traumatic and adverse experiences,” she added.
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