Trauma informed training rolled out in Merseyside Police
03.10.24 - Merseyside
This week, saw the first cohort of Merseyside Police officers undertake the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership's in-person specialist ‘Trauma Informed Training’.
The course is being rolled out to all front-line officers and staff to help them to better safeguard and support vulnerable people and children.
Evidence shows that trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a significant impact on life opportunities, the likelihood of becoming involved with serious violence, and health and wellbeing.
Delivered by industry experts, the course is split into online and in-person training, all focused on giving attendees a greater understanding of how psychological trauma can impact on individuals.
The sessions include understanding vulnerability and the impact of trauma, recognising feelings, and building trust and how to respond to a crisis. They are all designed to empower officers and staff to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.
The training is particularly relevant to those who work with children and young people and vulnerable people. It is supported by both the Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy, and Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, as part of their commitment to ensuring the organisation is trauma aware and responsive.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. That is a staggering figure.
“So, trauma isn’t something that happens to other people, in other postcodes, trauma impacts on all of us in one way or another – and as the recent awful events in Southport show, it can happen when and where we least expect it.
“By ensuring Merseyside Police is trauma informed throughout the entire organisation, our goal is to supporting staff to perform at the best of their abilities, while also improving wellness, physical and mental health, reducing the number of sick days and helping staff morale.”
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “As first responders, it’s our duty to put the safety and well-being of the public ahead of our own.
“Each day we arrive at scenes of potential distress, encountering vulnerable people, children, victims, and those on the wrong side of the law and it’s fundamental that we create and maintain a sense of safety and stability for all.
“We must recognise that not everyone has had the same start in life, or the same experiences and by better understanding the vast diversity of the communities we serve, and the challenges they may be facing, we will be better placed to serve everyone to the best of our abilities.
“That’s where Trauma Informed Training comes in. By raising our own awareness of how trauma can manifest in both ourselves and in others, we are better equipped to ask more questions, to take time to really listen, to be more empathetic and more compassionate.
“Our jobs are highly demanding, and staff resilience is paramount. This course is designed to take frontline officers and staff on a journey into the science behind trauma and stress, to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences, to build resilience and ultimately, to assist us when dealing with challenging and sometimes distressing situations.”
More than 2,000 professionals from a wide range of public and third sector organisations have already signed up to take the MVRP’s free training, which will also be shortly rolled out to colleagues at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
The MVRP is also holding its first trauma informed conference ‘Curiosity Champions’ later this month.
Find out more about the MVRP Trauma Informed Training and book your space