Working to support the wellbeing of others can be immensely rewarding, and a real motivator for working in the health sector. But over time, exposure to the suffering of others - particularly those in mental distress and at the risk of suicide - can impact our own wellbeing and how we feel, including experiencing vicarious trauma.
In 2025, NHS Sussex developed training that looks at the different ways we can keep ourselves and our colleagues safe. The training provides an overview of vicarious trauma and is made up of three complimentary sections, looking at different aspects of personal resilience, workplace wellbeing and reflective practice.
In this session, Liz Tucker and Patrick Haywood discuss the role of the workplace in addressing issues to do with vicarious trauma. They look at how the signs of vicarious trauma may show up in frontline roles, when to act as a manager and provide useful tools that can be implemented to help a colleague who may be struggling with vicarious trauma.
Learning objectives
By the end of this podcast, you should be able to:
- recognise how you might be exposed to vicarious trauma, and its impact on your wellbeing
- recognise the importance of building team cohesion, in developing a supportive and compassionate workplace
- Systematically as a team, identify possible sources of exposure to vicarious trauma, and where possible, limit the impact of these risks.
Availability
This podcast is available as part of a CPD eLearning subscription.
