A good deal of our support for clients at Genesis Life Projects is complex.
Many of our clients have been impacted by trauma. We know that over 90% present with complex needs and many have experienced childhood and/or adult trauma. The effect of such trauma impacts physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and financially throughout their adult lives.
We therefore use a trauma-informed approach with all our clients, acknowledging how past traumas effect their present. Our service is designed and delivered using a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) framework, which addresses the emotional and psychological needs of the individuals we support. We’ve taken time to create a calm and empowering environment where our clients feel emotionally and physically safe and allowing us to build trusting relationships. It is through these relationships that we begin to see lasting change. The graphic below will help you visualise the purpose of PIE.
To get a sense of this approach in action, I spoke with Sean Sutton, Lifeline and Life Connect Manager at Genesis Life Projects. He told me about Robert*, who has been visiting Genesis Life Projects on and off for several years. Robert has entrenched behaviours with addictions to alcohol, prescription medicine and illegal drugs. He also has mental health issues, resulting in sectioning under the Mental Health Act in the past and has been to prison.
His antisocial behaviour has resulted in exclusion from several local agencies. Robert has continued to connect with us over this time, which we believe is a testament to the approach we use.
Sean meets regularly with Robert and tries to sit with him one-to-one. This can be difficult as Robert’s natural tendency is to disengage. But Robert keeps coming back. Robert says the Gateway Centre, at the moment, is the only safe space he has.
During their meetings, Sean has advocated for him with mental health services, social services and his prescription provider. Progress is slow, but without Sean’s support, Robert would struggle to engage at all.
Robert is currently at risk of eviction from his home due to his anti-social behaviour. Sean, along with other engaged agencies that Sean advocates with on behalf of Robert, are now working with the landlord for a solution, so that Robert doesn’t become homeless.
With all of these issues, Sean is able to give Robert a voice, staying calm in situations which easily trigger Robert’s past traumas. We don’t know how Robert’s journey will progress and recognise it may may get worse before it gets better. But our long-term, consistent approach will mean we are there throughout, offering a safe place where positive change can slowly develop.
Thank you for supporting our trauma-informed approach. Because of you, we can continue providing a safe space for vulnerable people in our community and a voice for those living with complex needs.
*Robert’s name has been changed to protect his identity
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