Trauma training program piloted for NSW care workers

The NSW government will pilot a trauma training program to help aged, disability and community services workers support the people they work with and look after their own mental health.

It comes amid growing demand for trauma training and the release of a federal government COVID-19 grief and trauma response package.

The program will be delivered through Training Services NSW, TAFE NSW and industry leaders and will initially train more than 100 people via a blended delivery model.

TAFE NSW Community Services Head Teacher Keith Bourke said it was important for people to understand trauma in order to learn how to manage it.

“This is very important for support workers in the disability industry, in aged care, or in any industry working with people who may have vulnerabilities.”

“Understanding trauma and understanding the process of how people are affected can be very helpful so that people don’t feel powerless.”

 Participants will gain an understanding of how trauma can affect different people and their families and carers, mental health minister Bronnie Taylor said.

“It’s vital at this time that we look after the mental health and wellbeing of those important workers on the frontline. Giving them the skills to look out for signs of distress and how to cope are vitally important,” she said.

 Skills and tertiary education minister Geoff Lee says the program is about improving the resilience and wellbeing of frontline community services and health staff.

“While these jobs are very rewarding, it’s also important to recognise the toll it can have on our invaluable frontline workers,” Mr Lee said.

“The growing health sector plays a huge role in improving the quality of life in our communities, so we need to ensure our workforce has the skills and resources to care for themselves while also caring for the vulnerable.”

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