Support services for child trauma survivors
New Hamilton group
A Hamilton-based addiction support service is leading the way in helping people with a history of childhood trauma.
Addaction Scotland has a new team with a very specific skill set at its Bairds Crescent branch in the town.
Co-ordinator Susan Bonner explained: “Our small team, within Addaction in Hamilton, is called the South Lanarkshire Survivor Counselling Service.
“We’re taking referrals from people who have experienced traumatic childhood events.
“Put simply, the links between trauma and addiction are very strong. That’s why we’re doing this.
“We know there’s strong evidence that exposure to trauma and adverse childhood experiences make people seven times more likely to have issues with alcohol misuse, five times more likely to take drugs and 12 times more at risk of suicide. Our specialist therapists are trained to use a person-centred approach in counselling with individuals who come to us.
“We involve other relevant parties where necessary, so that we can be a seamless one-stop shop. This means there’s no revolving door and no repeating of personal stories; just recovery.”
Susan added: “By expanding Addaction South Lanarkshire’s service into this field, we hope that more people get the tailored support they need to deal with substance misuse and the reasons behind it.
“Having a single service that takes a holistic approach like this is so valuable. We are confident it will empower people in South Lanarkshire to rebuild the lives they deserve and to move forward.”
The service, for over-16s in South Lanarkshire, is funded by Survivor Scotland. All referrals are treated in confidence. Go to www. addaction.org.uk/scotland/ourservices-scotland.