Trauma support plan in place for borough schools

CHILDREN whose lives have been affected by early trauma can be better supported at school thanks to a scheme being rolled out to every school in the borough.

The Children and Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) is a website with information and support for those caring for, or working with, an adopted or fostered child.

A £10,000 grant from Wokingham United Charities, means that teachers can now access this platform for help to support pupils who have been in care or who are affected by early childhood trauma.

Primary and secondary schools based within the Wokingham Borough are all able to benefit from a year’s free membership.

PACT Chief Executive Natausha van Vliet said: “We are delighted to have the support of Wokingham United Charities. Their funding means that we are able to provide every school in the Wokingham borough with access to CATCH.

“We know that specialised skills and knowledge are key to supporting or caring for children who have experienced early life trauma as a result of abuse, neglect or loss

“Every one of the thousands of resources on the platform is tailored to supporting children with these specific needs."

Amy Garstang from Wokingham United Charities said: “We had the opportunity to visit PACT’s head office in Reading and to see for ourselves the vital work they do with families, carers and professionals to help improve the lives of care-experienced children.

“We are honoured to have been able to support them to roll out access to CATCH to all schools in the Wokingham borough.”

The platform was developed by PACT in 2017. It offers resources, webinars, e-learning modules, films, and podcasts covering the unique issues facing children and young people who have been in care.

Topics include behaviour, mental health and therapeutic parenting techniques.

Schools are urged to contact PACT to set up their funded access to the scheme at: www.catchconnect.org

The resource is also open to any parent or professional who feels that they would benefit from it, for £5.99 a month, or £60 for a year’s access.