PTSD Resolution, a charity dedicated to providing free trauma therapy to armed forces’ veterans, reservists, and their families, has launched a new series of Trauma Awareness Training for Employers (TATE) workshops for the security sector. The first company to participate in the programme is Assist Security Group (ASG).
Working with key industry partners, including ASIS UK, the Security Institute, the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, and the City Security Council, PTSD Resolution has provided therapy to over 4,000 armed forces’ veterans through a network of 200 therapists across the UK.
Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution, stressed the importance of mental health support for those working on the frontline in the security industry: “Security professionals, including forces’ veterans, often face high-stress situations that can lead to trauma. Our TATE workshop equips companies with the tools to recognize and address trauma-related issues at an early stage, ensuring a healthier work environment and improving overall operational effectiveness.”
According to a 2020 University of Portsmouth study, 40% of security officers exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This alarming statistic highlights the need for trauma awareness and support within the sector, says Colonel Gauvain.
Retail locations, in particular, have seen a significant increase in reported violence and theft. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported 1,300 incidents per day in 2022/2023, a nearly 50% increase from the previous year.
The TATE workshops, available both in-person and online, range from two-hour interactive sessions to a full day of training. These workshops help managers and HR staff recognize potential signs of trauma, understand its mechanisms, develop company-wide strategies, and create resilience-building environments.
Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, commented on their participation in the TATE programme: “TATE aligns with our commitment to employee wellbeing and operational excellence. This training will further boost our ability to support our team members and our clients, operating in a range of environments – from luxury retail and hotel venues to major entertainment and hospital locations.”
Malcolm Hanson, Clinical Director at PTSD Resolution, offers advice for security employers:
1. Recognition of Trauma Symptoms: Employers and managers should monitor the behavior of staff who may have experienced trauma. Changes in a security officer’s behavior following a security incident may be a sign that they need help.
2. Open Communication: Create a company culture that prioritizes responsibility over machismo. After an incident, managers should inform staff that the company is aware of what they’ve been through and that the policy is to be open about stress reactions.
3. Timely Intervention: If a security officer does not seem to be returning to their normal attitudes and demeanor after a few weeks following a traumatic event, it is important to open a dialogue about whether and how they would like to be helped to recover.
4. Professional Help: Develop a relationship with an organization like PTSD Resolution that has experience with post-traumatic reactions and can provide brief interventions to help employees return to work.
Hanson emphasizes that the cost of a typical course of therapy should be much less than the expense of supporting an unwell staff member long-term or dealing with the potential consequences of an employee working while traumatized.
Those interested in supporting the work of PTSD Resolution in helping forces’ veterans can donate during the Big Give week, from December 3rd to 10th, 2024. All donations made during this week will be doubled. Visit the website for more information.
For more information, please visit www.PTSDresolution.org.
About PTSD Resolution:
PTSD Resolution is a charity that provides free, prompt, confidential, and effective treatment for military post-traumatic stress. Founded in 2009, the charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS). It has had over 3,500 referrals to date, and delivers therapy in an average of seven sessions. The charity is one of the only organizations to provide therapy to veterans suffering from addiction issues or who are in prison, as well as to family members, including partners and children, who may experience the symptoms of trauma from living with a traumatized veteran. PTSD Resolution has a unique ‘lean’ operation, with no salaried staff or assets, and all funds are used to deliver therapy and for essential research and public information.
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