that are new to them .
Beyond this there are also the intrinsic values of an organisation and the people within it . If an organisation values the wellbeing of its staff , and proactively seeks to improve and uphold it , then service users are more likely to experience a holistic wellbeing experience . A healthy staff group is better positioned to conduct themselves in a way that cultivates wellbeing . As an example , speaking to someone who recently completed treatment having arrived with no more than the clothes they were wearing , they recalled a member of staff kindly bringing in a spare pair of trainers on their first day . While this might seem relatively inconsequential when viewed against the overall treatment received , it was transformational for the individual , as they saw the potential in a caring and positive relationship .
When reflecting back on this moment , they identified it as instrumental in opening their mind to connecting with others and accepting support . Moments such as these demonstrate that even a small change in wellbeing can have a positive effect on treatment outcome .
At Acorn Recovery Projects a unique programme of work known as positive addiction recovery
therapy is offered to service users . This is designed to strengthen recovery , improve wellbeing , and set the foundation for people to flourish in recovery . The programme uses the G-CHIME model of addiction recovery , and delivers interventions based on personal growth , connectedness , hope , identity , meaning in life and empowerment . Those who have completed the programme have reported a notable improvement in all listed wellbeing domains , as well as an increase in their recovery capital .
Staff at Acorn receive specific training to enrich the treatment experience of their service users , for example therapists have recently been trained to deliver drum therapy , adding to the catalogue of experiential interventions and therapies that are already delivered . Beyond this staff are encouraged to take time out of their working day to organise and participate in wellbeing activities that they enjoy and that will benefit service users , for example , hill walking , playing with pets , gardening projects , jam sessions , baking , dancing , and playing games .
Lisa Ogilvie is a counsellor at Acorn Recovery Projects , and a doctoral student at the University of Bolton specialising in addiction recovery and wellbeing
THROUGH A TRAUMA LENS
A trauma-informed approach is vital to promoting wellbeing , says Sarah Thornley
D
elphi and Horizon employees provide support for clients with severe and enduring multiple complex needs , who have a dependence upon substance and alcohol misuse as a maladaptive coping strategy for their distress . As a result , trauma-informed training has been provided to empower safe practices , promote trust and collaboration , and inspire staff through peer support and choice within the workplace . This supports health and wellbeing when working with clients who experience multiple complex needs .
Staff support clients from a trauma-informed perspective that recognises triggers from high levels of adversity and trauma that are expressed through ‘ fight / flight ’ responses to threat and danger . Staff use a trauma lens to support clients who have experienced homelessness , incarceration , neglect , poverty , and social inequality – we encourage staff to create safe and trusting relationships for our complex clients , but this in turn has the potential to cause vicarious and secondary trauma in the workplace .
Staff can be negatively affected over the long term as a result of their empathic and emotional engagements with clients , and the potential side effects of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation can cause ‘ burnout ’. At an organisational level we recognise the importance of staff wellbeing , and the impact vicarious trauma can have on mental health and staff morale . We promote safety and security using a strengths-based approach to foster an ethical and compassionate workplace . This approach helps to create change in power dynamics and encourage safe , healthy , reciprocal relationships , as well as build confidence , reduce staff sickness and disassociation , and maladaptive coping strategies .
Health and wellbeing is promoted through meaningful engagements and self-care , such as group supervisions in the form of weekly talking circles , and tea and toast mornings where all staff have a safe therapeutic space to explore their vicarious trauma through peer-led and one-to-one support . Personal development and growth is encouraged to promote autonomy and belonging through ‘ my time ’, where staff are given a safe space for self-awareness and reflection .
Training opportunities are encouraged to support mental health through mindfulness and grounding techniques , alongside fun activities to create bonding experiences . These include pool and rounders competitions , and cinema and theatre nights . Annual team building days also help to develop a spirit of collaboration and empowerment . These interventions have helped improve staff motivation and service delivery , which has had a positive impact on client engagement as staff are able to meet clients where they are at . This in turn has reduced the power-threat dynamics that can be experienced when working with multi-complex needs .
Sarah Thornley is a senior therapeutic practitioner within Delphi and Horizon substance misuse services .
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