South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (Secamb) is channeling £40,000 annually into its Trauma Risk Management program (TRiM), aiming to aid staff who have encountered distressing incidents.
Covering a span that encompasses East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and North East Hampshire, Secamb is committing to a two-year investment in the TRiM initiative.
Introduced across Secamb in 2016, the TRiM program employs structured peer-to-peer discussions led by trained practitioners. This approach helps to pinpoint individuals exhibiting signs of acute stress and furnishes them with the necessary support for recuperation in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Previously, Secamb relied on voluntary contributions from colleagues for training and providing TRiM support. The current financial commitment is expected to usher in a sustainable, enduring strategy.
Natalie Cole, Lead for TRiM at Secamb, noted the significance of this move, saying, “Working in the ambulance service is an extremely rewarding career but can, of course, also expose staff and volunteers to some very challenging and upsetting experiences. We are fortunate that so many colleagues have stepped up to be trained to provide this support, and it is great news that the trust is committed to ensuring this success is built upon and developed.”
Since its inception, over 1,100 individuals associated with Secamb have benefited from the TRiM program. A team of 125 volunteers has played a pivotal role in offering support and guidance to their fellow colleagues. This strategic investment underscores the commitment to the well-being and mental health of those who tirelessly serve the community in challenging circumstances.
