Workshop teaches business to recognise the impact of trauma Coffs Coast Coffs Coast by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 4, 2024 Kim Shaw and Amanda Harvey from Regional Australia Bank, with Nicole Holland and Gracel Arriba from Ability Options. LOCAL disability and employment services provider Ability Options presented a free workshop in Coffs Harbour designed to train businesses to deliver Trauma Informed Practices in the workplace. The workshop for local not-for-profit organisations was funded by a donation from Regional Australia Bank through its Community Partnership Program. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Ability Options Workplace Wellbeing Practitioner Nicole Holland said the workshop was about helping businesses understand best practices to support people who have experienced hardship. “There’s been a lot of hardship in our community recently through cost of living and housing pressures,” Nicole said. “This puts strain and stress on local support services and the people providing them. “The workshop felt very purposeful and was well-received by attendees working in the community.” In a continued effort to give back to communities, Ability Options is offering the Trauma Informed Practice training to businesses across the State. The workshop takes an approach to health and care interventions that is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological and social development. “It was a way to remind ourselves how to take care of ‘us’ and in return, deliver high-quality, informed support to the people we serve.” Businesses are taught to recognise the impact of trauma and how to respond with effective, person-centred services, to build trust and reduce negative interactions, and to create a safe, collaborative space that enhances staff morale and resilience. By Andrea FERRARI
