The text discusses the importance of mental health and trauma training for staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations (NFPs) and community groups who often experience trauma and burnout due to their work. The Benefolk Foundation, with support from Australian and New South Wales governments, offers free mental health and trauma training to address this issue.The text discusses the importance of mental health and trauma training for staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations (NFPs) and community groups who often experience trauma and burnout due to their work. The Benefolk Foundation, with support from Australian and New South Wales governments, offers free mental health and trauma training to address this issue. The training program includes strategies to prevent and overcome indirect trauma (PTSD at work) and burnout, as well as facilitating brief conversation interventions to prevent and resolve trauma in clients. The training will take place on Friday, 2nd August 2024, from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm AEST at Highlands Hub in Glen Innes. Online and self-study sessions will also be available for those who cannot attend the in-person event. The training is designed for individuals employed or volunteering at non-profit organizations, community organizations, charities, board committees, associations, and other similar organizations. Julia Keady, CEO and founder of the Benefolk Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this training for those who have worked tirelessly to help their communities recover from disasters and other traumatic events. The training is provided by psychologist Adam Blanch, who highlights the critical need for a psychological safety plan within organizations that work with traumatized individuals. The training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to create a trauma-informed work culture and implement preventative measures. Organizations can book tickets and find more information about the full program at the provided links. The text concludes with positive feedback and testimonials from attendees of previous training sessions, emphasizing its effectiveness and relevance for individuals working in the non-profit and community sectors.
Recent natural disasters and the continued pressure of high living costs mean that many staff and volunteers from local non-profit organisations (NFPs) and community groups have increasingly become ‘accidental responders’.
Research shows that people in similar positions experience trauma and burnout. Yet most community-led organisations, particularly those in regional areas, cannot easily access training to support their people in dealing with or preventing this ‘helper trauma’.
That’s why the Benefolk Foundation, with support from the Australian and New South Wales governments, is offering free mental health and trauma training.
Volunteers and staff learn strategies to prevent and overcome indirect trauma (PTSD at work) and burnout. They also learn how to facilitate brief conversation interventions to prevent and resolve trauma in their clients.
A full day training will be held on Friday 2nd August 2024, from 8:45am to 4:30pm AEST at Highlands Hub: 167 Grey St, Glen Innes
After the event, online and self-study sessions will also be available for those who register, so anyone can complete the training at their own pace at local non-profits.
Persons employed or volunteering at non-profit organizations, community organizations, charities, board committees, associations, etc. may participate free of charge.
Julia Keady, CEO and founder of the Benefolk Foundation, who has seen the Northern Rivers floods first-hand, says this training is specifically tailored to the people who have worked so hard to help their communities get back on their feet.
“Last year we ran a similar programme for 130 organisations in the Northern Rivers following their tragic floods. Feedback was that the training increased people’s confidence to continue their vital work, whilst creating a safe and sustainable working environment. In fact, at the start of the day, less than 40% felt confident in responding to trauma in others. This had changed to 94% feeling somewhat or very confident following the training.
“A similar shift has occurred around maintaining their own psychological safety, so we encourage all local NFP leaders to make time to direct their team, especially given the obligations around psychosocial legislation changing in 2023. This means it is vital for all NFPs and charities to be at the forefront of staff and volunteer wellbeing in their organisations,” Ms Keady said.
Organizations can also turn to The Community Well, which offers over 100 free resources tailored specifically to nonprofits, all aimed at improving well-being.
Adam Blanch, the psychologist who delivers the training, says any organization whose staff work with traumatized people should have a psychological safety plan that includes prevention, mitigation and recovery.
“Victory trauma – or what I call ‘helper trauma’ – affects not only aid workers, but anyone who works with traumatised people, such as those supporting communities affected by flooding.
“A critical first step is to create a trauma-informed work culture and train staff in preventative measures. This course will provide the knowledge and skills to achieve this goal,” Mr. Blanch explained.
Organisations can book tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/gleninnes-nsw-resilient-responders-and-empowering-conversations-one-day-training and find more information about the full programme at www.benefolk.org/central-west-special-project
Some comments from people who attended a recent session
- “Fantastic training. Innovative. And a lens that was missing in our sector.”
- “I have done several training courses in trauma and first responder support but this was by far the best. It should be mandatory for all workplaces, NFPs, sports groups, volunteer organisations, frontline work. Adam is just amazing. I just wish we could clone him so this message could go out to the world.”
- “I am excited to use the tools provided. Thank you for the functional theory of psychological trauma framework. Thank you for the excellent presentation. It was the best training on trauma I have ever taken.”
- “Absolutely essential training. Events like this are of the utmost importance to our industry.”
- “I think all healthcare providers and service sectors should take this training.”
- “This training has helped me understand where my clients’ behavior comes from and how I can move forward with it.”
- “I have a much clearer understanding of the impact of trauma, how I as an employee can respond to my colleagues and to myself.”
- “I enjoyed every moment of it. The session was well put together and very interactive and engaging.”
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