Real Voices, Real Change: Read our guide for supporting torture survivors

Today is World Mental Health Day, an annual global event which aims to promote mental well-being and reduce social stigma.

This year’s theme is Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change. The event aims to encourage those who have faced their own mental health struggles to share their stories and for policy-makers to take note of these experiences when making systemic changes.

At TTI, we resonate strongly with this theme. We recognise that individual experiences of trauma and collective violence are shaped by context, culture and personal meaning.

This focus on lived experience formed a vital part of a recent project to create a Guide for Professionals Working with Survivors of Trauma. Torture survivors generously shared their experiences in focus groups, helping our clinical psychologists to put together the guide alongside our partners Care4Calais, Refugee Legal Support and Women for Refugee Women.

Diane, a survivors’ advocate from Women for Refugee Women, said: “When you have a connection with a survivor from torture, feel their pain. Learn what happened to them and absorb what they are trying to say. Really listen to them and help them to heal but don’t place additional burdens on them.”

The guide, funded by the National Lottery, sets out five key principles to consider when working with survivors of torture, along with simple-to-action practical tips. You can read the guide here.