Agenda item

To consider the report of the Leeds Trauma Awareness, Prevention and Response Steering Group.

The report of the Leeds Trauma Awareness, Prevention and Response Steering Group.

The Chief Officer / Consultant in Public Health updated the Board on the vision and scope of the Trauma Awareness, Prevention and Response Strategy since it was first agreed on the 6^th of December 2021. Progress since its agreement was outlined, with a steering group formed and sign off for the strategic approach sought, noting the collective work developing Leeds into a trauma-informed City.

The following was outlined:

·  Data shows 50% of people experience trauma at some stage of their lives. It would be difficult to eradicate all trauma, but we can help minimise the impact of trauma and help people to have the skills and support in place.

·  Adverse childhood experience such as domestic abuse or mental health issues are common with data from 2020 also showing 10% of children are deprived nationally, with trauma being more common in deprived areas. In Leeds there are 399 children in a protection plan.

·  Mind Mate have worked in partnership as part of the strategy development process, with key a focus on language around trauma and the unequal impact of adversity. The Future in Mind Strategy 2021 – 2026 is a plan for Leeds that explains how people are working together to improve mental and emotional health for young people.

·  Resilience to trauma is best developed through experiences relating to kindness. A good public health response to trauma includes choices and opportunities for positive and kind experiences which enable individuals to live outside a history of trauma.

·  The vision is for Leeds to be a trauma informed city that works to prevent the conditions that lead to trauma and responds compassionately and swiftly wherever trauma is present.

·  The Trauma Informed Practise Integrated Resource Team had been developed with outcome framework being, supporting the workforce to adopt a trauma informed lens towards children and families, understanding how to actively support people with trauma, integrated expertise, increased awareness of the impact of trauma and adversity across agencies and arenas.

·  Many groups have contributed and signed off the strategy, with the aim to adopt the plan by April 2023. A life course approach will be implemented to provide assistance or care when needed for all life stages.

·  The Trauma Informed Work in Communities grants programme aims to boost protective factors in children and young people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, adversity. Activity will promote strong, healthy relationships and help young people to develop relationship and pro-social skills.

The Board discussed the following matters:

·  In response to a question regarding the measurement of outcomes, it was confirmed the strategy will be delivered over time using a broad approach to capture data and insight Leeds Beckett University have conducted consultation to capture real life stories.

·  Training will need to be combined and integrated to feed into Leeds’ health care organisations including links to primary care.

·  Trauma may not always lead to stress or mental health issues, yet most people will experience adversity in their life. Some trauma is unpreventable, so the aim should be to maximise the reduction in negative connotations.

·  The definitions and approach cannot be isolated as each experience and reaction may differ and there can also be no assumption trauma is always treatable.

·  There are multiple, intersectional layered challenges, particularly within diverse communities, so there is need for greater understanding and outreach as some people will need focused resources.

·  The definition of trauma has expanded over recent years so is may be of use to be specific for types of trauma.

·  Connection with the 3^rd sector is vital as they have in depth knowledge and experience, and often hold more trust within community settings.

·  Trauma training can change people’s perception of the world, to be more empathetic when conversing with others and is an essential quality for care providers.

RESOLVED –

a)That the progress made by the Trauma Awareness, Prevention and Response Steering Group since December 2021, be noted.

b) That the draft strategy, endorsing publication in March 2023, be signed off.