First Response
Acute Trauma Support
Workshop for Social Workers
Learn How to Respond To Recent Trauma and Support Individuals and Groups
This virtual workshop will equip you with evidence-based approach to respond to recent traumatic events –
with individuals in immediate distress and groups affected by collective crisis.
When crisis arrives,
are you ready to
respond?
Acute trauma demands an immediate, structured response. Most social workers are thrust into these situations with good instincts – but without a clear, evidence-based framework to guide them.
In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, the decisions made in the first hours matter enormously. The right response can stabilise, protect, and begin the path to recovery. The wrong one – however well-intentioned – can deepen distress and delay healing.
A strategy for responding
to different contexts
Built around Psychological First and current acute trauma research, the workshop provides a practical strategy for implementation with a wide range of client systems in crisis.
The content of the workshop focuses on early intervention with clients who experienced a recent, single traumatic event, without complications. The workshop aims to equip practitioners to follow good practice guidelines and avoid interventions that have more recently been flagged as potentially ineffective or harmful. The theoretical foundation follows the Trauma Support model and Psychological First Aid, as supported by the WHO and ISSTS.
In this workshop, you will learn:
What is not included in this workshop
– The treatment of trauma disorders, severe trauma or complex trauma
– Specialised interventions for children
Logistics and Investment
Format: Online (Zoom)
Duration: 3 half-days (9h00 – 12h00)
Next Dates:
- Monday, 22 June 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Tuesday, 23 June 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
- Wednesday, 24 June 2026: 9h00 – 12h00
CPD Points: 10 (SACSSP)
Includes: Workshop Notes, CPD Certificate
Investment: R950 per person
Technical Requirements:
The workshop is facilitated fully online via Zoom. Participants are required to remain on camera for the full duration of each session and should ensure that their equipment and internet connection is suitable for this kind of interaction. Attendance with a phone or tablet isnot recommended – it is recommended to use a PC or laptop since some of the screens that will be shared may include text or diagrams that would be too small to read on a cellphone screen. It is recommended that each participant should attend from a suitable physical space (for example, not while travelling or while sharing office space with others). The use of headphones is recommended – alternatively participants should be in a space not shared with others. It is not ideal for participants to share a device, since it will limit their interaction and participation.
Care Note
Trauma intervention can be a sensitive topic and the workshop may contain content that can be triggering for some individuals. Only attend the workshop if you are comfortable with the topic and able to apply self-care when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend this workshop?
This workshop is designed for registered social workers, but can also be attended by social auxiliary workers and other mental health professional, provided that they ensure that remain within their scope of practice.
Terms and Conditions
Please take a minute to review our terms and conditions which apply to all participants: