Council commitment to improving help for vulnerable people

At the Full Council meeting on Thursday 22 October the Conservative Group, which leads the administration, will be bringing forward a cross-party motion which highlights the significant impact that trauma can have on people's lives and the importance of ensuring local services are equipped to recognise and respond to it effectively.  

The motion supports the development of a coordinated 'Trauma-Informed Swindon' approach.

The proposal builds on positive work already taking place across the council, local schools, health services and community partners such as Warhorse Training, and seeks to create a more consistent approach across frontline services.

Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “A trauma-informed approach is all about ensuring frontline staff have the knowledge, confidence and tools to engage with residents in a way that is supportive, effective and focused on achieving positive outcomes.”

Cllr Alex Hughes, Member Champion for Mental Health, added: "Many of the challenges we see across public services have their roots in trauma experienced earlier in life. 

"If we want to improve outcomes for children and families, we must ensure that all front-lines services understand the experiences that shape people's lives and respond appropriately.

"My motion is about building on the good work already taking place across Swindon and creating a shared ambition across the council and local partners. 

"By working together, we can provide better support earlier and achieve better outcomes for our residents."

The motion emphasises that adverse childhood experiences, domestic abuse, violence and other forms of trauma can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental wellbeing, educational attainment and life opportunities. 

It also recognises that children the council cares for as well as care leavers are among those most likely to have experienced trauma and should remain a priority.

Reflecting on the wider importance of trauma-informed practice, Donna, a local Trauma-Informed and Lived Experience Advocate, said: “We cannot change what people have experienced, but we can change what happens when they encounter us. 

"People deserve to be heard. They deserve to be seen. And above all, they deserve the dignity and opportunity to live full and meaningful lives, rather than remain in the shadows of experiences they never chose.”