“The research regarding the efficacy of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) is clear, indicating increased psychological resilience of military and security personnel through specific social support techniques within operational units,” says Houghton.

“At Hart, the concept of therapeutic governance and social risk management is key to the company’s overall philosophy that the quality of its people are its greatest asset,” says Houghton.

Hart staff who were present, yet uninjured, during a recent attack in Kabul were all TriMed by a trained in-country manager within the 72 hour protocol says Houghton.

“We have recently invested in further TRiM training for Hart’s Contracts Manager, Kim Ewart with the aim of adding additional staff in the business to support our staff in the event of an incident. Importantly, Kim is based outside of Hart’s operational locations, ensuring that she will not be involved in any future incidents which is one of the key criteria for a TRiM process,” says Houghton.

The recent training held in London by March on Stress, a psychological health consultancy that is leading the way in organisational resilience, offered comprehensive upskilling on trauma risk assessments says Ewart.

“March on Stress believes that anyone in psychological distress as a result of exposure to trauma deserves evidence-based support. Our staff overseas in hostile environments are more prone to being involved in, or witness to trauma, due to the nature and geographical location of their job and fortunately, Hart really understands this.

“I know that by having in-country managers qualified in TRiM, and now myself based from the UK, we can offer wider support if needed,” says Ewart.

Ewart who has a special interest in veteran mental health and PTSD says that the course was detailed and extremely professional.

 

“The March on Stress training thoroughly increased my knowledge base on trauma risk assessments and I feel fully equipped to assist our in-country team should it be needed, “says Ewart.

According to March on Stress, TRiM originated in the UK Armed Forces and the model is based on ‘watchful waiting’, which means keeping a watchful eye on individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic event, whether that person has been directly involved, or involved from afar.

TRiM Practitioners are non-medical personnel who have undergone specific training allowing them to understand the effects that traumatic events can have upon people. They are not counsellors or therapists, but understand confidentially and are able to listen and offer practical advice and assistance.