Local organisations make trauma-Informed pledges
More than 30 local organisations who provide public services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire have committed to pledges to be more trauma-informed.
Experiences of trauma can have an ongoing impact on someone’s life, health and wellbeing. Being trauma-informed means acknowledging that these experiences are common in society and the impact they can have. Becoming trauma-informed as a service or organisation is about working to ensure people who have experienced trauma are responded to in a supportive, non-judgemental way and that this approach is built into the work that we do.
The Trauma-Informed Pledge for Partners has been developed and co-produced by the Trauma-Informed Systems Programme, hosted by the Integrated Care Board, to encourage partners across all sectors, professions and areas to work in a more trauma-informed way.
The pledge represents an opportunity for organisations and groups serving the people and communities of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to make an active commitment towards embedding a trauma-informed approach across services.
Jeff Farrar, Chair of NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
”By signing trauma-informed pledges, organisations in the area are affirming their commitment to understanding the significant impact of trauma, developing compassionate environments, and embedding practices that provide the best possible services for local people.”
Local organisations who have signed pledges include NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Avon & Somerset Police as well as local charities and GP surgeries.
Sarah Crew, Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police said:
“Policing often means being there at the toughest moments in people’s lives. That exposure to trauma affects not only the communities we serve, but also our own people.
“Signing the trauma-informed pledge is an important step in recognising that impact and committing to a more compassionate way of working.
“We’re proud to be on this journey with our partners. By embedding trauma-informed practice across our services, we can better support our people, strengthen our relationships with our communities, and deliver policing that truly meets the needs of the people we serve.”
Pledges have included developing understanding around how staff experience trauma and how to support staff at work, investing in trauma-informed training for staff, reviewing organisational policies and involving people with lived experience of trauma in the design of new services.