PTSD Resolution, a renowned charity dedicated to providing free trauma therapy to armed forces’ veterans, reservists, and their families, has recently launched a new series of Trauma Awareness Training for Employers (TATE) workshops for the security sector. The first company to participate in this programme is Assist Security Group (ASG).
Working closely with key industry partners such as ASIS UK, the Security Institute, the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, and the City Security Council, PTSD Resolution aims to offer much-needed mental health support to the numerous forces veterans employed in the security industry. With a network of 200 therapists across the UK, the charity has successfully provided therapy to over 4,000 armed forces’ veterans to date.
Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution, highlighted the critical role of mental health support for all those working on the frontline in the security industry. He stated, “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, a staggering 40% of security officers display symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making trauma awareness and support a pressing need within the sector, as emphasized by Colonel Gauvain.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported a sharp increase in violence and theft incidents in retail locations, with a daily average of 1,300 in 2022/2023, representing a nearly 50% increase from the previous year.
The TATE workshops, available both in-person and online, vary from two-hour interactive sessions to a full day’s 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, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the TATE programme, saying, “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, shared his expert advice for security employers, emphasizing:
1. Recognition of Trauma Symptoms: Employers and managers should closely monitor the behavior of staff who may have experienced trauma. Changes in a security officer’s behavior following a security incident may indicate a need for help.
2. Open Communication: Foster a company culture that prioritizes responsibility over machismo. After an incident, managers should inform staff that the company is aware of what they have 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 usual behavior and demeanor after a few weeks of a traumatic event, it is crucial to initiate 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, which has experience with post-traumatic reactions and can provide brief interventions to help employees return to work.
Hanson stressed that the cost of a typical course of therapy should be significantly less than the expense of supporting an unwell staff member long-term or dealing with the potential consequences of an employee working while traumatized.
For those interested in donating to support the work of PTSD Resolution in aiding forces’ veterans, all donations made during the Big Give week, from December 3rd to 10th, 2024, will be doubled. For further information, please visit the website.
For further information, please visit www.PTSDresolution.org.
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Editor’s Notes:
PTSD Resolution: Free, Prompt, Confidential, and Effective Treatment for Military Post-Traumatic Stress
PTSD Resolution, Charity No. 1133188, offers therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists, and their families. Treatment is free, effective, and promptly delivered through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, as well as through phone and internet services. The charity also works with organizations to support the mental welfare of their non-veteran staff, upon request.
Established in 2009, the charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS). To date, the charity has received over 3,500 referrals and delivers therapy in an average of seven sessions, with a significant number of cases showing improvement to the point where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is needed.
PTSD Resolution is one of the few organizations that provide therapy to veterans suffering from addiction issues or who are incarcerated. The charity also offers therapy to family members, including partners and children