‘Trauma Card’ project launched by Healthwatch Essex to support and empower trauma survivors

An initiative in Essex, created by Healthwatch Essex’ Trauma Ambassador Group has seen the launch of ‘Trauma Cards’ being provided across the county. The idea for the card was established by survivor and Trauma Ambassador Group member, John Wills. The cards are designed so that people can hand them over to healthcare professionals when they feel triggered, the card then has a QR on the back which takes professionals to relevant information about trauma.

Written by Bryony Porteous-Sebouhian

How did the ‘Trauma Card’ come about and how will it work?

John Wills, Trauma Ambassador Group member, is a survivor of child sexual abuse (CSA) and is also experienced as a therapist. He discussed with his fellow group members the common experience of being triggered by unexpected situations such as at a dentist, or during a health check. John also felt that services hadn’t improved much, in regard to being more trauma-informed in those interactions, since he first reached out for support and so wanted to create the card to make things easier for other survivors.

He said he wants professionals to understand that interactions in those settings can be “really quite difficult” for survivors and make them “very anxious”. He also pointed out that there often “isn’t the opportunity to open the conversation up about this subject, so simply by handing over the card, it starts the dialogue.”

He added that he hopes the card will “allow health professionals feel able to ask what I need as a survivor” and that often healthcare professionals “forget just how traumatic and triggering some of these procedures can be for someone who has suffered trauma.”

Denise Hills from Tilbury, a survivor of domestic abuse, also advised on the project. Due to her trauma, Denise experiences anxiety in medical and social care situations and said the ‘Trauma Card’ helps her when she feels as though she might “shut down”, due to anxiety, especially when she is unable to talk. “Knowing I’ve got the card means I’m less likely to be triggered,” she said, “It’s like that comfort blanket. It takes that stress off you.”

An innovative, simple way to help people who have experienced trauma

The card has been in action since the first of November and so Mental Health Today caught up with Sharon Westfield de Cortez, Information and Guidance Manager at Healthwatch Essex, about the project and its progress so far.

How was the idea for the card first brought to you by John Willis? What was your initial reaction?

“We were at one of our regular meetings discussing what project we would like to take on first, and different members were sharing the negative experiences they had had in different healthcare settings when triggered by their trauma. John then raised his idea of the card, and this was met with great enthusiasm by the others. We then focussed on this as our first substantive project and all the group members contributed to its planning, design, and creation.”

Has something like this ever existed before in your area/elsewhere to your knowledge?

“Not to the knowledge of myself or any of the Trauma Ambassador Group. The members all have individual, extensive experience of accessing services and support, and this is not a concept which they have ever come across or been offered before. This is reinforced by the multitude of agencies and services I have linked with since launching the card, who have all welcomed the initiative.”

What are the most important issues that survivors of trauma might face in clinical settings etc. that this card addresses?

“The main issue is that those living with the effects of trauma can never know for sure if and when they will be triggered in a setting. With some procedures, such as cervical screening, for example, it is fairly obvious that for a survivor of sexual abuse, it may be a particularly difficult experience which may result in them being triggered. Yet very often, it can be something like a phrase, a song playing on the radio, or a particular perfume or aftershave that is the trigger and things like this can occur in any setting; in the dentist’s waiting room, having a vaccination or at a parents evening at your child’s school.”

She continued, “The unpredictability of when it may happen is a huge challenge for survivors, and when they do encounter something which triggers their trauma, most often their immediate reaction is that of ‘fight or flight’. In practical terms, this means that they either have to remove themselves from the situation as quickly as possible, or shut down to some degree, where they are unable to verbalise what is happening or actively engage with the professional(s) present.”

“Ultimately, either reaction means that they do not get the best– if any- outcome from the appointment,” Sharon said, “and also are often then considered to be a ‘difficult’ patient, or one who does not engage, and this too affects the outcomes all round.”

What change do you hope this project and the card itself will bring about?

“Two of the principle aims of the Trauma Ambassador group are to raise awareness of living with trauma and improve outcomes for those who are. We believe that the Trauma Card contributes to both of these aims as it improves the knowledge and day to day practice of the professionals who are presented with it, and provides a facilitative tool for cardholders if they do find themselves triggered in any kind of meeting or appointment.”

?“Even if they are unable to speak at that point themselves, they can hand over the card and it explains what is happening for them, and what the professional can do to help. Often you may not need to use it, but having it in your wallet or pocket acts as a security mechanism, giving you the confidence in knowing that it’s there if you need it.”

Have you had any early feedback from professionals/people who have used the card themselves?

“All feedback so far has been amazingly positive. We have received a high demand for the card not only from individuals, but also from a wide array of agencies and services who see its value and want to be able to provide it to their own service users. Everyone who has engaged with us so far can see the potential benefits for all concerned.”

Since its launch have you been approached by any other local trusts interested in incorporating a similar idea into their healthcare settings?

“We have received a high volume of contacts from different organisations who want to incorporate the card into their own working practice, and we have been delighted to supply them with their requirements. Our Trauma Card is available to anyone who needs it, and we are more than happy for it to be used by other services.”

The team at Healthwatch Essex have put together a video showing the card in action and you can find out more about the project here.