The Department of Education’s Training Services NSW has teamed up with TAFE NSW on a pilot program to help care workers look after themselves and the people they work with.
Announced by Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, the pilot trauma training program is to see existing aged, disability and community services workers learn about the effects of trauma on themselves and others, and how to maintain their own personal health.
“The wellbeing of our community services and health staff is front of mind in the trauma training program,” Mr Lee said.
“While these jobs are very rewarding, it’s also important to recognise the toll it can have on our invaluable frontline workers,” he 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.”
Mr Lee said more than 100 people were expected to participate in the pilot and would complete training through a blended delivery model.
Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said program participants would gain an understanding of how trauma could affect different people, their families and their carers.
“It’s vital at this time that we look after the mental health and wellbeing of those important workers on the frontline,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Giving them the skills to look out for signs of distress and how to cope are vitally important,” she said.
Head Teacher of Community Services at TAFE NSW, 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,” Mr Bourke said.
“Understanding trauma and understanding the process of how people are affected can be very helpful so that people don’t feel powerless,” he said.
