Education is a powerful tool for change. On the International Day of Education, we are reflecting on how learning transforms lives. At VSS, we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors – and education plays a pivotal role in our work, to deliver on this commitment we-
- enhance access to learning opportunities for victims and survivors
- invest in training for frontline staff and volunteers
- partner with WAVE Trauma Centre‘s Trauma Education programme
Returning to learning
VSS provide connected, evidence-based services that support health and wellbeing, including supporting people to step back into education. Many victims and survivors experienced interruption to their education. For those who choose to return to learning later in life, access to education and training is just one way that VSS, with our community partners, can support their health and wellbeing.
Building a skilled, trauma-informed workforce
VSS invests in the frontline staff and volunteers who work directly with victims and survivors. This ensures they have the skills and knowledge to deliver the right support, at the right time, in the right place.
Through VSS-PULSE, our PEACEPLUS-funded project, more than 300 staff and volunteers across our community partner network have already accessed training and development opportunities, with many more individuals planning to participate, this includes Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding for Adults at Risk.
Building a trauma-informed society
As partners in our VSS-PULSE, PEACEPLUS funded project, WAVE Trauma Centre delivers a unique range of Trauma Education courses. The impact speaks for itself: since June 2024 more than 1,400 people have completed WAVE’s Trauma Education courses—building expertise that ripples out across the workforce and into the lives of those they support.
Karen Morgan, Health and Wellbeing Casework Manager at VSS, recently completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Studies:
“This programme offered the space to deepen my understanding of trauma, and connect theory with the real client behaviours, presentations and communications I encounter every day. Understanding trauma at a deeper level enables me to work more sensitively and safely, recognise trauma responses, reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and build relationships founded on trust, choice and empowerment—helping survivors not only to cope but to feel heard, understood and supported in their recovery journey.”
By investing in education, whether supporting individuals to return to learning or equipping practitioners with specialist knowledge, VSS and our community partners are not only improving outcomes for victims and survivors, but also helping realise the Strategy for Victims and Survivors’ vision of a trauma-informed society that addresses the needs of victims and survivors.
From learning to leading change, education is transforming lives and building a more hopeful future.