Front-line service providers pledge support for trauma-sensitive city

Organisations providing front-line supports across Cork city have reaffirmed their commitment to promote a trauma-sensitive approach in the delivery of their services.

Key players including community organisations, Tusla, the HSE, the Department of Social Protection, Cork ETB, An Garda Síochána, Munster Technological University, and University College Cork are members of the Trauma Sensitivity Forum chaired by Cork City Council.

The commitment to a trauma-sensitive approach was made during a pledge-signing ceremony held on Friday 12 December, during which the various service providers committed to their continued work in delivering services in a manner that recognises the impact of trauma in people’s lives.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: “Cork city is a pioneer in Ireland as a designated ‘trauma-sensitive city’ – a city which understands that trauma, such as abuse, neglect, violence, or other overwhelming experiences, can affect how people think, feel, and behave.”

Training events were held in 2018 and 2020 at which hundreds of practitioners gathered to learn from world-renowned trauma expert Karen Treismann.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “The work of the interagency group aims to recognise and realise the impact of trauma on citizens by imbedding knowledge of this area into policies, into standard operating procedures and practices.”

“I commend all the organisations that are re-committing to this and applaud the work of the mult-disciplinary steering group in forging ahead with new initiatives,” he said.

In 2026, a new strategy will deliver a range of events as well as the continued roll out of online e-training, developed and funded by the Cork City Trauma-sensitive steering group.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.