Join our Trauma Ambassador Group – 16 Days of Activism

If you’ve been inspired by our 16 Days of Activism campaign, why not join our Trauma Ambassador Group?

The Trauma Ambassador Group is a team of individuals who have come together under the umbrella of Healthwatch Essex to utilise their skills and lived experiences to help inform, shape and develop health, care and wellbeing services.

Trauma can be defined as an event, or series of events, which are very stressful, frightening, distressing and/or disturbing. Causes of trauma include domestic abuse, sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences, exposure to crime and bereavement; however, it is very much an individual reaction and there is no exhaustive list of causes.

Trauma can be triggered at any stage in a person’s life and occurs when some kind of external factor causes them to recall the event which was traumatic to them. Again, triggers are very personal and hugely varied, but some common examples can include a smell, visual object or a certain word or phrase. The reactions caused by trauma are equally unique, but often can be likened to the symptoms of a panic attack. The instinct of the individual may well be to retreat, shut down on an emotional and/or communicative level, or to react with a desire to protect themselves. Reactions can manifest on a physical, emotional and psychological manner. The effects have a huge impact on the individual personally, not just in the moment when the trigger occurs but for some time after. They can be hugely debilitating and distressing for the individual concerned.

Trauma is by nature unpredictable and affects so many areas of life for those who live with it. It can manifest in the most mundane and unexpected of situations; for example, at a dental appointment or visiting a chiropractor, chatting with another carer at a support group or taking your child for a health check. It can result in the individual withdrawing and disengaging from these services, which leaves them in a position where they may not receive the level of care and support that they need and are entitled to.

It is these inequalities that we aim to address. The TAG, with each individual member’s lived experience of trauma, has come together with the following aims;

  1. To educate and enhance the knowledge and understanding of trauma in those who commission, provide and deliver our health, care and wellbeing services with the aim of improving these services.
  2. To raise awareness of the effects of experiencing and living with trauma, thus creating better understanding within the public and professionals.
  3. To encourage those in similar situations to access support and empower them to improve their experiences.

To date, we have produced a range of blogs and podcasts, created the Trauma Cards and the ‘Cervical Screening As A Trauma Survivor‘ film, and launched the Expressions of Trauma exhibition. If you would like to join us and be a part of shaping our work for 2025, please get in touch.