Our latest Quarterly Impact Brief illustrates how VSS is supporting the Programme for Government through education and trauma-informed practice.
Programme for Government
The NI Executive’s Programme for Government 2024-2027, Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most, sets out an ambition to develop a trauma-informed public sector.
VSS and our community partners are contributing to the delivery on this commitment.
Andrew Walker, CEO, Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)
“At VSS, we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors. Education plays a pivotal role in delivering on this commitment. By investing in
education, whether supporting individuals to return to learning or equipping practitioners with specialist knowledge, VSS and our community partners are improving outcomes for victims and survivors.”
Building a trauma-informed society
As a partner in VSS-PULSE, our 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 wider workforce and into the lives of those they support.
Building a skilled, trauma-informed workforce
VSS invests in frontline staff and volunteers who work directly with victims and survivors, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to deliver the right support, at the right time, in the right place.
Through VSS-PULSE, more than 300 staff and volunteers across our community partner network have already accessed training and development opportunities, with many more planning to participate. This includes Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding for Adults at Risk.
Finance and Admin Officer (Community Partner Organisation)
“Taking part in the Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding courses has had a positive impact on how I approach my role. My biggest takeaway from both programmes was the importance of simply listening — creating space for people to talk openly, without judgement.
By focusing on listening first, I can understand more clearly what someone needs and help achieve the best possible outcome for them.
Completing the courses alongside my colleagues was also incredibly valuable. Having their support, comparing notes, and reflecting together on what we learned really
strengthened the experience. It’s helped me feel more confident, more aware, and better equipped to support individuals in a meaningful way.”
Supporting victims and survivors to return to learning
VSS provides connected, evidence-based services that support health and wellbeing, which can include 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 one way that VSS and our community partners can support their health and wellbeing.
Health and Wellbeing Casework (Community Partner Organisation)
“Education is more than grades, qualifications and degrees. It covers all different types of learning and training. We’ve had clients access pottery and flower arranging classes, as well as music and singing lessons but we’ve also helped people access specialist driving training, beauty courses and trade courses.
So many individuals experience the powerful impact education can have on their wellbeing so it is vital that they are supported and empowered to access the right course for them.”
A trauma-informed society isn’t built by any single organisation. It’s built through sustained investment in people—in the practitioners who support victims and survivors, and in the individuals rebuilding their own lives through learning.
Working with our community partners, VSS is helping to deliver the Executive’s vision of a trauma-informed public sector.