Social Science Impact Accelerator: EMDR & Vicarious Trauma: Group-based Training for Newly Qualified Social Workers (£14,205)

This project builds on a previous pilot study to deliver group-based EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) techniques and psychoeducation to newly qualified social workers in a local authority. Our previous research found that social workers found EMDR techniques useful in recognising Vicarious Trauma and in developing skills to manage the impact of this more effectively. It showed there was a need for more training to help workers maintain their new skills in practice. This project will roll out a series of group-based workshops and support sessions in how to use EMDR and other stress-management techniques to social workers during their first assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) and as they transition into their second post-qualifying year. The aim is to strengthen knowledge and skills in using EMDR techniques early in their careers, and to share knowledge and techniques with managers/supervisors to support maintenance of these new methods in supervision and practice. EMDR is an approach recognised by the NHS and in empirical studies as helpful to frontline practitioners and first responders.

This project will deliver group-based training for newly qualified social workers. It will teach them how to use new ways of working called 'Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing' (EMDR) and other special techniques to help them manage trauma, which arises from their contact with the traumatic and distressing experiences of others, such as family breakdown or violence. The training will take place in groups and information about it will be shared with social workers managers and supervisors, to help them to practice and continue using their new skills over time. This approach (EMDR) is already used in the NHS to support mental health workers and paramedics.