Secondary & Vicarious Trauma (Over 2 days - 13 & 14 Jan 2026,  9am -1pm)

Secondary & Vicarious Trauma (Over 2 days - 13 & 14 Jan 2026, 9am -1pm)

This course has been designed for anyone working directly with people who disclose life experiences that can often be traumatic.

By UNISON Cymru Learning

Date and time

Location

Online

About this event

The course will be delivered online over two days consisting of 2 x 4 hour sessions. You must be able to attend both dates.

This course will provide an insight into the psychological effects of working/listening to life stories and experiences of traumatised people or children and provide a range of strategies to look after your own (physical and mental) health and wellbeing.

The second session joining link will be given to those who attend the first session only.

Day One - 13 January 2026 ( 9am - 1pm)

-Define what is meant by secondary and vicarious trauma stress

-Explore compassion fatigue and burnout for practitioners working with children and young people

-Identify UK statistics of practitioners experiencing secondary trauma stress

-Explore the importance of empathy when working with adults, children and young people disclosing traumatic experiences

-Explore the impact of secondary trauma upon the emotional and mental health of practitioners working with adults, children and young people

Day Two - 14 January 2026 ( 9am - 1pm)

-List individual reactions of secondary trauma stress

-Identify defence mechanisms and psychological reactions to secondary trauma stress whilst working with adults, children and young people

-Introduce a tool kit to build resilience

-Discuss the importance of supervision and debriefing sessions

Handouts and electronic copies of the slides will be made available.

Certificates of Attendance are available on request.

Worker Voice

Your course will be delivered by an expert tutor who will guide you and your fellow workers on a three-stage journey during your course:

  • Issues – how does this issue affect you and your colleagues?
  • Ideas – what would make things better for you and your colleagues?
  • Involvement – how can you and your colleagues get involve in making positive changes in your workplace, including through your trade union?

You will take part in activities that capture your voice and we will communicate the outcomes anonymously to UNISON local branches, self-organised groups and sectoral forums. This means voice on the subject is heard at the heart of your union’s democratic structures.

___________________________________________________________________________

Provider: Sue Galsworthy (JMG Consultancy)

____________________________________________________________________________

This course is organised by UNISON Cymru Wales and is funded by the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF). To attend this course, you must be living/working in Wales and be employed within public services.

This information will be securely stored and destroyed after one year. For more information on how UNISON uses your personal data, please go to: https://www.unison.org.uk/privacy-policy

Frequently asked questions

What if this event is sold out but I want to attend?

We do not operate a waiting list system on Eventbrite. However, if you would like your name to be added to our externally held waiting list please email cymruwaleswulf@unison.co.uk and also follow our profile page on Eventbrite to be notified automatically of all our upcoming courses and events.

What if I book a place but cannot then attend the course?

Please cancel your place via Eventbrite.

What if I want to attend but cannot make this date?

We do not operate a waiting list system on Eventbrite. However, if you would like your name to be added to our externally held waiting list please email cymruwaleswulf@unison.co.uk and also follow our profile page on Eventbrite to be notified automatically of all our upcoming courses and events.

Can I share this with my colleagues?

Yes! That's a great thing to do and the first step to becoming active with your union.

Organized by

The UNISON Cymru Learning team are responsible for working with members, activists and branches to organise the delivery of the union's Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project and our member learning activities in Wales.

We organise on courses, workshops and conferences aimed at building the skills and confidence of the public service workforce, working in partnership with our Branches, employers and specialist learning providers.

WULF courses are open to all public service workers living and/or working in Wales, and we welcome workers who are yet to join UNISON and members of other unions.

All our courses take you on a journey - exploring issues that impact you in your workplace, discussing ideas for how you and your colleagues might improve things, and provide opportunities for you to get involved in making change happen through your union and beyond.

We also recruit Union Learning Reps and provide public service workers across Wales with advice, guidance and signposting relating to their learning and development needs. 

On Sale Sep 1 at 6:00 AM