Learning never stops – and for the anti-trafficking sector this is especially true! Human trafficking is a crime that changes in response to supply, demand, barriers and policies. We are continuing to learn about how the whole-person health of victims is essential in protecting people from exploitation, understanding the harms of human trafficking and exploitation and how to provide excellent survivor care. We also believe that listening and learning with and from survivor colleagues is vital.
Here we will provide human trafficking, exploitation and health insights, links to research and connect you to educational pieces from different perspectives.
If you have an educational piece you would like us to consider, please email us at info@vitafoundation.org.
Support and Self-Care Resources
Self-care
It is important for ALL of us to intentionally care for ourselves when working with trauma and supporting traumatised people. When we are exposed to traumatic content we may find our own difficulties triggered or experience vicarious (secondary) trauma, where we feel traumatised by the content of what we are exposed to.
If you believe you may be having symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties we strongly advise you to seek professional help.
The following tips are for general self-care:
Psycho-education:
Understanding the effects of stress and trauma on our body and the mind can help us realise why our brain and body might be feeling or responding in a certain way. This understanding can help reduce the fear and sense of the unknown, realising we are not alone in our feelings and experiences and that our brain is trying to help us respond to the perceived problem of fear or danger.
Book recommendation: The Simple Guide to Child Trauma: What It Is and How to Help (Simple Guides) Betsy de Thierry (2016) available online.
Exercise:
Engage in exercise you enjoy, whether it is walking, running, swimming, or yoga – there are so many options! Cold water swimming has gained recent popularity with the evidence around it helping with mental health and wellbeing. Yoga and gentle body work can support the re-connection of the self, following feeling traumatised. Exercise helps us feel strong, energised and the endorphins released can really lift our mood!
Diet:
Making sure we are taking physical care of ourselves and eating well contributes to good psychological and physical health. Research has demonstrated that what we eat has major impact on the healthy bacteria in our gut, and that these bacteria have a lot of impact on our mental health and whole-body wellness. What we put in our bodies makes a difference to our whole selves and every time we make a nutritious choice, we show ourselves that we are worth treating and feeding well.
Creativity:
Allowing yourself to engage with creative outlets can be soothing and grounding when you have experienced distressing events or vicarious trauma.
Spirituality:
Accessing spiritual support be it religious, meditation, prayer, or faith can be very beneficial to health and wellbeing. Connecting with ourselves through enjoying nature can be very effective too.
Safe & cosy spaces:
It can be helpful to find a favourite place where you can feel safe and cosy, with comforting textures and scents. This might be a reading nook in your house, a comfy sofa or even a place to sit outdoors with a warm blanket and a hot drink. Feeling safe helps us feel calmer and more able to think straight and make decisions if we are feeling stressed or worried.
Time with people you are in healthy relationships with
Time with special people in your life who love and listen to you is precious and reminds us we are cared for and we belong.
Pets can also be so good for the soul – and great listeners!
Being part of a trauma-informed community with shared goals
Isolation makes it much harder for all of us to stay fully well. VITA Network warmly welcomes you to join us and be part of our ever-growing community committed to advancing the health response to human trafficking and exploitation.
Seeking Further Help
It is always wise to seek extra support when needed for our mental and physical health. Some options for further support include:
Online Guidance:
This is an introduction to some self-care ideas, but is by no means exhaustive:
- Vicarious Trauma – signs and strategies for coping – https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/your-wellbeing/vicarious-trauma/vicarious-trauma-signs-and-strategies-for-coping
- NHS Inform – self-help therapies – https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/therapy-and-counselling/self-help-therapies/
In-person or remote personal support:
- Within your workplace or study environment seek professional clinical supervision or de-brief following a traumatic event or experience. Many psychotherapists and psychologists are clinical supervisors and can offer this support.
- Speak with HR or Occupational health for advice and support.
- NHS trusts will also often have their own internal support systems, your local intranet will have links and information to those services.
- You can also speak with your GP and make use of online NHS mental health and self-care resources.
- NHS Counselling – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
Counselling or psychotherapy:
Having professional help from someone specialised in working with trauma and vicarious trauma can be helpful. Having an outlet to talk to someone about things that have upset you may help you feel less alone. Also, these professionals will have skills to help reduce symptoms of trauma such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, compassion fatigue and burnout.
- British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy – https://www.bacp.co.uk/
- British Psychological Society – https://www.bps.org.uk/
- Childhood Trauma Recovery Network – https://www.traumarecoverynetworkuk.org/
Educational Videos
A-E principles of a trauma-informed examination – Dr Rosie Riley
A-E principles of a trauma-informed examination – Dr Rosie Riley
12th July 2021
They can help you create a safe, dignified environment where your patient feels in control. Often we don’t know if our patients have experienced abuse and trauma, so these principles are important for all. Please share far and wide.
VITA Training: safeguarding victims of modern slavery – Dr Rosie Riley
VITA Training: safeguarding victims of modern slavery – Dr Rosie Riley
28th June 2021
In this video, Rosie shares why modern slavery is a health issue, what VITA are doing about it, and crucially how VITA Training doesn’t just raise awareness, but equips frontline healthcare professionals with transferable consultation skills to know what to do when a vulnerable patient is sitting in front of them.
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To find out more about VITA Training – www.vita-training.com To book onto an upcoming Interactive Webinar – https://www.vita-training.com/courses… To arrange a bespoke webinar/seminar/simulation training session for your team contact us – info@vita-training.com We look forward to hearing from you!
How does trauma impact the brain? – Anya Charnaud
How does trauma impact the brain? – Anya Charnaud
27th March 2021
Self-care – Anya Charnaud
Self care – Anya Charnaud
21st January 2021
Psychological First Aid – Dr Laura Wood
Psychological First Aid – Dr Laura Wood
10th May 2022
But have you heard of psychological first aid? Safe steps to take in supporting someone who’s experienced emotional or psychological harm and distress. Particularly in the settings of severe adversity, after a disaster or in conflict.
If not then watch this short 10-minute video with VITA Network’s Dr Laura Wood.
Audio/Podcasts
The role of the interpreter: translating for victims and survivors of modern slavery – Blerta Ilazi
The role of the interpreter: translating for victims and survivors of modern slavery – Blerta Ilazi
26th April 2021
By sharing two anonymised real-life cases, Blerta really highlights how interpreting isn’t just about the dialogue between the healthcare professional and patient, but also the body language and the tone of voice. Blerta’s account is eye-opening and encourages us to see the issue of MSHT from a unique perspective.
The Doctor’s Kitchen: Modern slavery with Dr Rosie Riley
The Doctor’s Kitchen: Modern slavery with Dr Rosie Riley
31st January 2020
Our Founder, Dr. Rosie Riley chats with Dr. Rupy Aujla from The Doctor’s Kitchen. Whilst being cooked a delicious middle eastern breakfast, Rosie shares about modern slavery, how working in Nepal changed her life, working as an NHS doctor and how the food industry can play its part in spotting slavery in supply chains.