HSE Training - Understanding trauma

Understanding trauma and supporting the needs of people fleeing war or persecution

HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare in conjunction with the HSE National Social Inclusion Office and HSE Mental Health delivered this free on-line training on:

Friday 8th April 2022 10 am – 12.30 pm.

Who was this training for?

This training was for anyone working with or supporting children, adults or families who have fled war and / or persecution, including those providing support to people who arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and all other people seeking International Protection here in Ireland. It was suitable for people working in Statutory and Non-Statutory organisations such as the HSE, Child and Family Agency, Department of Education and Science, Department of Social Protection, Department of Justice, NGO’s and community support services.

What were the learning goals?

Participants left with an awareness / basic understanding of the following:

• War trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• The psychosocial needs of people who have fled war and are adjusting to a new life in Ireland
• Understanding the barriers that interfere with people accessing and benefitting from supports
• Helpful do’s and don’ts when working with people who have survived war trauma
• When and where to get help for trauma / PTSD
• Understanding the importance of minding your own psychological wellbeing when helping others

Trainer

Dr Jennifer Hayes is Principal Psychology Manager for Social Inclusion in the Cork Kerry Community Healthcare.  She is a qualified clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist and has supported children, adults and families across multiple services in the HSE for almost 20 years. Over the last number of years she has worked extensively with Syrian and Iraqi war survivors living in Ireland as part of the Resettlement Project. Her area of clinical expertise is trauma, PTSD and supporting people who have fled war and persecution are resettling in Ireland. She has represented the HSE on selection missions with Department of Justice on to Lebanon, Jordan and Greece. In her downtime she plays Gaelic football with Gaelic for Mothers and Others and is an avid Cork hurling supporter. 

Many thanks to IMS Integrated Media Solutions for their generous support in organising the training.