Report

Trauma-informed: The Trauma Toolkit

A resource for service organizations and providers to deliver services that are trauma-informed

Introduction

 This toolkit aims to provide knowledge to service providers working with adults who have experienced or been affected by trauma. It will also help service providers and organizations to work from a trauma-informed perspective and develop trauma-informed relationships that cultivate safety, trust and compassion.
Traumatic events happen to all people at all ages and across all socio-economic strata in our society. These events can cause terror, intense fear, horror, helplessness and physical stress reactions. Sometimes the impact of these events does not simply go away when they are over. Instead, some traumatic events are profound experiences that can change the way children, adolescents and adults see themselves and the world. Sometimes the impact of the trauma is not felt until weeks, months or even years after the traumatic event.
Psychological trauma is a major public health issue affecting the health of people, families and communities across Canada. Trauma places an enormous burden on every health care and human service system. Trauma is not only a mental health issue, but it also belongs to every health sector, including primary/ physical, mental and spiritual health. Given the enormous influence that trauma has on health outcomes, it is important that every health care and human services provider has a basic understanding of trauma, can recognize the symptoms of trauma, and appreciates the role they play in supporting recovery. Health care, human services and, most importantly, the people who receive these services benefit from traumainformed approaches…