IF YOU have lived or are living through trauma, health care experts are keen to hear about your experience.
It is part of an initiative the project managers say will be vital in helping to shape mental health care across Argyll and Bute in the coming years.
The Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is seeking input from people affected by adverse or traumatic experiences. The initiative aims to inform the development of a new clinical pathway for complex trauma. Carers and family views are also welcome.
The project is being led by Dr Hannah Welstead, consultant psychiatrist in medical psychotherapy at the Argyll and Bute HSCP.
She said: “We want to hear directly from people with lived experience to help shape services that meet their needs.
“By listening to individuals, families and carers, we aim to develop a pathway that is compassionate, trauma-informed and grounded in real experiences. Every piece of feedback we receive will help guide how we deliver care in the future.”
The HSCP said people can contribute in a way that feels right for them, including taking part in small group discussions or providing written feedback. Participation is entirely voluntary, and individuals can choose how much or how little they wish to share.
Psychological trauma, including adverse and traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood, is more common than is often assumed.
Many people will recover without the need for professional therapy or treatment, but if there is no support available, it can have a wide range of negative impacts on physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The Scottish Government said growing up with adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, community violence, homelessness or living with adults experiencing mental health issues or harmful alcohol or drug use, can have a long-lasting effect on peoples’ lives.
There is an existing commitment to help prevent psychological trauma and adversity and supporting people who have been negatively affected throughout our lives, whether as children, young people or adults.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences and views, or simply to find out more, the HSCP is encouraging you to get in touch by October 30.
For more information, or to express interest in taking part, please email [email protected]
-ends
