Trauma support and Emotional first aid during COP15
Hi, we are still here to support people after COP15! Quite often there is quite a come down from these big actions. If you are feeling as if the police violence or general stress has effected you then why don't you contact us or read some more on our website?
or call (0045) 52768566
News
Calling Out submissions for a trauma reader: "SCARSONGS - An Anthology Articulating the Terrain of Trauma and Resilience" - see below.
New leaflet for download: "No Borders: Thoughts on guilt, shame & trauma" - see the Downloads page.
Trauma Support Database
We have a database with contacts for Trauma Support (trained activists, therapists, herbalists, healers…).
During the Climate Summit 2009 in Copenhagen there were spaces set up for trauma support and emotional first aid.
The group working to set up these structures in Copenhagen was new, but we were working together with people from both Activist Trauma Support and Out Of Action to get knowledge and share experiences. Together we tried to provide the resources for activists better to be able to deal with the emotional stress of a summit.
Trauma support spaces were set up in central locations, and the spaces were coordinated with other relevant groups, such as medics, legal teams and info points.
Again, more information on the COP15 First Aid website.
For general info:
Climate Collective
Climate Justice Action
Never Trust A Cop
Klima Forum 09
Calling Out submissions for a trauma reader
Some people from ATS in collaboration with two other projects have started working on a publishing a trauma reader:
SCARSONGS - An Anthology Articulating the Terrain of Trauma and Resilience
We invite your submissions! Deadline is March 21st, 2010.
Read more (leaflet to download)
Spread the word! Here is the flyer:
No Borders: thoughts on guilt, shame & trauma
Recent events in "the Jungle" in Calais probably give a fair indication of what the future may well look like for increasing numbers of people - both for migrants themselves, and for the activists trying to support them.
We propose you a leaflet that aims to look at the possible psychological impacts of such activism and also looks at coping strategies and other tips to avoid burnout. Please look at the Downloads page.
Welcome!
This site is primarily for political activists who may be injured during or by their political activities and or struggling with other mental health issues related to activism. Hopefully much of the information is useful to other groups and individuals who either have to face violence or repression where ever it may come from. It seems that as a movement we have not sufficiently acknowledged the psychological effects of the brutality and stress that an increasing number of us are subjected too.
Supporting people who have been traumatized should be a central part of our activism, for without support and solidarity we can be easily picked off. This is not exciting or glamorous, it's hard work. However it can be rewarding, interesting and have very positive results. We may sometimes feel powerless in the face of all their power but we CAN help each other.
About Us
We are a bunch of anti-capitalist activists who have either experienced or been close to people who have been effected by PTSD or other forms of mental health issues. We are NOT experts about these issues (and if you are we would like to hear from you) but care deeply and want to help. Just by raising these issues we are helping to cure them.
