Trauma-Informed and Responsive
Move On is in the process of creating a trauma-informed and responsive culture and approach throughout the work that we do.
We have a number of staff who are working at a trauma-informed and trauma-skilled level. This helps us offer responsive support across Move On.
Becoming a Trauma-Informed and Responsive workforce
At the start of this process, we built on our current practice and used the NHS Education for Scotland Knowledge and Skills Framework, and the Scottish Psychological Trauma Training Plan to embed these into our services. These documents include a wealth of information and research.
Being Trauma Informed means being able to recognise when someone may be affected by trauma, collaboratively adjusting how we work to take this into account, and responding in a way that supports recovery, does no harm, and recognises and supports people’s resilience.
Source: Trauma Informed – National Trauma Transformation Programme
At a Trauma Skilled level, we will be able to work in a Trauma Informed way, as mentioned above, but we should also have a greater understanding of how psychological trauma can affect people, how to support recovery, and use these skills in practice. We have a number of staff who are working at a trauma informed and trauma skilled level.
Source: Trauma Skilled – National Trauma Transformation Programme
We’re embedding the five Trauma Informed Principles set out by NHS Education for Scotland: Choice, Safety, Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration.
Learn more about the National Trauma Transformation Programme.
Along with many other Scottish organisations, we’ve also signed up to the Leadership Pledge of Support.
To learn more about what we are doing to embed this approach, please download the attached information sheet, as well as see the overview below.
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The video above was created in 2021 as a brief introduction to this approach for Move On staff.
Above is Martyn’s story as a mentee, where he touches on some of the Trauma Principles explained earlier.
Why we are doing this and what this means for you
We’ve decided to take this approach due to the high level of referrals we receive across our services for people who have experienced trauma and adversity in their lives.
We also know from the NHS Education for Scotland Knowledge and Skills Framework that trauma is more common than previously recognised across society, and working in a trauma-informed and responsive way can improve things for everyone.
It’s not that our roles are changing or that everyone needs to become a trauma expert. It’s about making small changes that can make a significant difference for everyone and reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation.
Trauma and Mental Health Support Services
The Rivers Centre – Edinburgh
The Rivers Centre is NHS Lothian’s specialist service for people of all ages affected by psychological trauma.
services.nhslothian.scot/riverscentre
Tel: 0131 451 7400
Health In Mind
Their Trauma Services are accepting referrals via the online enquiry form and will offer an initial conversation to discuss theirr service with you. Please be aware that the one-to-one services have extensive waiting lists.
Tel: 0131 225 8508
Health In Mind Counselling for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Counselling offers a safe, confidential place where people can talk about the difficulties they have experienced in their lives. Health in Mind trained Counsellors will help support you through this process.
This is for 18+ for people who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It is a free service and there is a waiting list.
Tel: 0131 225 8508
Trauma Counselling Line Edinburgh
As it is telephone and video counselling, you don’t need to worry about travelling to your appointment; you just need a quiet place where you can talk to your counsellor. You will have weekly appointments with the same counsellor, which means you won’t have to repeat what has happened to you each time you call.
The service is free and confidential. The phone call will not show up on your phone bill and you won’t be charged for video calling.
All Health in Mind counsellors are fully trained, highly experienced and from a range of backgrounds.
16+, self-referrals and referrals from third-party, free ad there is currently a waiting list.
Tel: 0131 225 8508
Email: counselling@health-in-mind.org.uk
Daytime and evening appointments available.
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
ERCC offers specialist trauma-informed support to women, all members of the trans community, non-binary people and young people aged 12 – 18 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre offers free and confidential information and support. Services include:
long-term support (face-to-face, online or by phone); group support; crisis support if you have experienced sexual assault within the last 7 days; alcohol counselling; support for family, friends and partners; advocacy.
Self-referrals and referrals by third party, free service but there is a waiting list.
ercc.scot/who-we-support-and-our-services
Contact: Anna Carr
Tel: 0131 556 9437
Email: info@ercc.scot
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
They currently operate a telephone and email service 24/7. You can also arrange a virtual appointment with one of their staff team.
The Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year and provides community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis.
It is a service for people who are aged 16 and over who are using or have used mental health services and are resident in the City of Edinburgh when they are facing a crisis. This includes people who have seen their GP, used voluntary services and people who identify themselves as having a mental health issue. This service is for people 16+.
Tel: 0808 801 0414
Mental Health Assessment Centre (MHAS)
MHAS is an emergency mental health assessment service. They are a nurse-led team based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide a service at the Royal Infirmary from 5pm – 8am Monday to Thursday and from 5pm Friday to 8am Monday.
MHAS is available for:
- People experiencing a mental health crisis
- People who need an emergency mental health assessment
- People who have been referred by a GP or other healthcare professional.
Tel: 0131 537 6000
Mental Health Information Station (NHS Lothian)
The Mental Health Information Station is a one-stop-shop for anyone affected by mental health and wellbeing difficulties.
It provides a source of support, information and signposting. It is staffed by mental health specialists from the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), peer support workers, volunteers and third sector partners.
The service offers: psychological self-help guides and resources; signposting to community groups/activities; standardised information on conditions and medication; information on support for carers
Free, no waiting list.
services.nhslothian.scot/mentalhealthinformationstation
Contact: Katrina Campbell
Tel: 0131 537 8688
Email: mentalhealthinformation@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
9.30am-4.30pm Every Thursday.
Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service
View their information leaflet here.
If you wish to discuss a referral to see if it is suitable, we would encourage and welcome a telephone consultation. If you would like to discuss the service in more detail, please contact Dr Lisa Reynolds on 0141 303 8968.
Nightingale Counselling
Glasgow Association for Mental Health
They promote the mental health and wellbeing of people and their communities; providing more than 2000 hours of community based support every week to people in Glasgow.
Tel: 0141 552 5592
Other Crisis Helplines & Websites
Breathing Space Helpline (6 pm – 2 am) 0800 83 85 87
Rape Crisis Scotland (6 pm – midnight) 0808 801 0302
National Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 027 1234
Samaritans 116 123
Childline 0800 11 11
Edinburgh Crisis Centre Freephone 0808 801 0414
Psychiatric Emergency Team 0131 537 6000
The voice of young people, adults and volunteers at Move On
- We have designed and printed “Give us a shout” feedback posters to display in all three Move On bases across Glasgow and Edinburgh. These posters include a QR code so that people can easily share feedback – either anonymously, or with their details if they would like us to get back in touch;
- We now have Peer Champions who support staff to facilitate our different social groups, giving these young people valuable experience and training opportunities;
- We have a Volunteer Connection Group that runs online and in-person quarterly. This group’s purpose is to: connect with other volunteers and the wider Move On team; contribute to our volunteer strategy; share feedback and create and sustain a genuine feedback loop;
- We gather feedback from young people and volunteers after every training session;
- We run ongoing consultations with our different social groups about activities, and we have included more in the paperwork so that the voice of young people and volunteers are highlighted in these further;
- Our Peer Champions and Social Group collaboratively designed and created a Mental Health and Wellbeing Booklet. This has been shared with the young people, staff, and volunteers in our services. The young people decided on all of the tools that were added based on their experiences.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, would like to become a Peer Champion, or join our Volunteer Connection or social groups, please get in touch with amy.dunn@moveon.org.uk.