New line to aid victims of trauma

People are left traumatised by sudden deaths in accidents

A unique helpline for people traumatised by sudden death and injury has been launched in Scotland.

A pilot of the Sudden Trauma Information Service Helpline (Stish) got under way in Aberdeen on Monday.

Victims of sudden trauma, including road, industrial and domestic accidents and assaults, often miss immediate advice and help.

It is hoped the helpline - 0845 367 0998 - will offer the missing support and information needed.

The launch is in association with the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR), which will shortly be moving from the University of Aberdeen to Robert Gordon University (RGU).

The ACTR was established in 1999 to provide an opportunity for research into various aspects of trauma.

Frequently symptoms of post-trauma stress are not expected, or may last much longer than anticipated and lead to pressure on health and relationships Dr Susan Klein Senior research fellow

It is now recognised that individuals who experience a traumatic event can develop a post-trauma stress reaction, which can result in long-term difficulties both for victims and their families and friends.

Survivors and the bereaved are often offered immediate support in the wake of large or well-publicised traumatic events.

However, those who are victims of sudden daily trauma can miss out on immediate emotional assistance or information.

Although a number of helplines exist for a range of individual and personal problems, the new helpline team believe there is no helpline or service in the UK dedicated to addressing issues relating to sudden trauma.

Such a service has received widespread support in religious, medical, legal and social work circles.

Unique venture

Dr Susan Klein, senior research fellow at RGU and an ACTR team member, said: "Each individual will use different strategies to cope with his or her experience, but often the isolation and confusion are evident to survivors and their families.

"Frequently symptoms of post-trauma stress are not expected, or may last much longer than anticipated and lead to pressure on health and relationships.

"Legal and employment issues can also arise unexpectedly as a result of sudden trauma.

"The pilot scheme is a unique venture in the UK to provide, through a helpline, a confidential source of information and advice for adult survivors of all kinds of sudden trauma, their families, and for personnel who provide help."

The pilot scheme will initially run for a year.