It is normal and natural to feel affected by human suffering and the pressures of working in emergency situations – especially if exposed to distressing or graphic material or stories on a regular basis. However, it is important to be able to recognise and respond early on to the signs of psychological impact. Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma are two such impacts, and commonly arise in those whose roles involve responding to the suffering of others; they can easily contribute to burnout.

Our wellbeing team delivers this three-hour workshop in person or online. They can tailor the material to your organisation, team, and activities. During the session, you will cover:

• Key concepts and definitions, including what happens in the body and brain during stress and trauma.
• Identify the risks of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
• Recognise the signs of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout in yourself and co-workers.
• Develop self-help strategies to prevent and respond to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
• Organisational measures to support team members at risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
• Further resources.

We can also deliver an introductory 90-minute webinar or in-person briefing covering:

• Key concepts and definitions.
• Recognise the signs of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout in yourself and co-workers.
• Develop self-help strategies to prevent and respond to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.