Psychosocial support
Our volunteers are trained to provide trauma-informed, holistic, person-centred care in emergency situations.
Support for individuals, families and communities
Psychosocial support addresses both the psychological and social needs of individuals, families and communities. Our volunteers are trained in the CALMER Psychosocial Framework, developed by the British Red Cross. It uses a six-step process to help people recover from trauma.
We help people who have been through traumatic experiences feel safe, have choices and trust us. We work together to create and maintain safe and healing relationships.
Psychosocial support aims to minimise further harm and distress by promoting:
- a calm and thoughtful approach
- listening and trusting relationships
- understanding
- resilience and recovery
It also supports responders in managing their own emotional needs, including stress and burnout.
Immediate emotional support
The British Red Cross offers immediate emotional support to people in crisis. This support does not include counselling or long-term mental health support, but it can help people cope with the current situation and move forward. We can also connect people with other psychosocial resources that can help them get through a difficult time.
Our emotional support is not a substitute for professional counselling or therapy, but it can be a helpful first step in coping with a crisis.
See it in action
Our volunteers can provide emotional support to people affected by a variety of incidents, including floods, fires, terrorist attacks, human trafficking operations, health emergencies, utility disruptions and transport emergencies.
Whether it's a fire in a family home or a large-scale national emergency, you can contact us 24/7.
Got any questions?
If you would like more information on the psychosocial support we can offer during emergencies you can email the Crisis Response Team at CRT@redcross.org.uk.
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