Audience:

This session is suitable for social workers, supervising social workers, foster carers, supported lodgings providers, and any other professionals working with and supporting UASC.

Aim of the Workshop:

Develop an understanding of effective ways to support Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), during distress, and learn how to identify and make referrals to appropriate services.

Outcomes:

As a result of the training, the participant will:

• Develop an understanding of the psychological and emotional behaviours exhibited by trauma survivors resulting from significant single or complex traumas. Specifically, focus on their two main distress reactions, shock, and panic, enabling the early recognition of signs of mental health issues. Additionally, understand the key needs of trauma survivors, providing insights into recognizing early signs of mental health concerns (designed for non-mental health professionals).

• Develop an understanding of how to support UASC clients at the beginning of their trauma recovery. Recognize certain services limitations and understand why some other services may be unable to offer support during this critical phase. Subsequently, it will help to understand how to make appropriate referrals.

• Develop an understanding of how to support trauma survivors by applying 3 major principles of Psychological First Aid. This includes making rapid assessments of immediate concerns and needs, as well as implementing supportive activities and strategies (designed for non-mental health professionals and adapted for the multiple needs of trauma survivors but qualified therapists encouraged to attend as well).

• Get introduced to basic skills for managing emotional distress, including simple practical tools that prevent further deterioration (group exercises will be offered). Additionally, gain insights into preventing vicarious trauma and understand the crucial role of self-care skills when supporting trauma survivors.

Course Content:

This workshop also incorporates introduction to prevention of burnout and vicarious trauma impact. It is a well-known fact that professionals working with traumatised clients are at high risk of being negatively impacted by their work, specifically the development of vicarious trauma. Knowledge and understanding of trauma impact can help build resilience in the workforce.

Course Structure:

This workshop has both taught and experiential elements with presentations, demonstrations, and small group work, bringing together the latest developments for supporting survivors in the aftermath of traumatic events specifically designed for non-mental health professionals.

There will be a lunch break at around 12:50/13:00 (45 min) two short breaks through the day.

Course Facilitator:

Dzmitry Karpuk is a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist. He is registered with the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). He has considerable experience of working with traumatised clients for around 35 years. His particular interests include supporting professionals who work with traumatised and vulnerable clients, and those with burnout and secondary trauma impact. Dzmitry has significant experience of delivering trauma-related training to various professionals, both nationally and internationally. He is also a trainer and team member of Blake Emergency Services, Suicide Bereavement UK & the Complex Trauma Institute. He regularly provides individual and group supervision to a wide range of clinicians & non-mental health professionals (e.g. national organisations like Family Action, Migrant Help, Migration Yorkshire, Rape Crisis & many more).

For further enquiries please contact Anna Anderson at SMP@emcouncils.gov.uk