CHUMS Trauma Service
We raise funds to provide an accessible, compassionate and evidence-based trauma service for children and young people (CYP) aged 5–18 years who have experienced a single traumatic event or traumatic bereavement.
Some people recover from a trauma with no or little additional support, especially if symptoms are mild.
However, many people can develop chronic symptoms that can be long lasting. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the name given to describe these symptoms. Psychological support can be very effective in helping people with PTSD. Therapies available include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (tf-CBT).
It is important that you visit your GP as soon after a trauma as possible. They can help to signpost you to the most appropriate early support or more specialist psychological services if symptoms persist.
What CHUMS provides:
Trauma-focused therapeutic interventions (NICE guidelines informed)
1:1 therapy (6–12 sessions) tailored to individual needs
Structured group programmes (6 sessions)
Consultation and liaison with families, education settings and professionals
Our Approach
Accessible, inclusive and responsive
Compassionate and supportive
Evidence-based and clinically robust
Focused on recovery and adaptive growth
Supporting children to reclaim their childhood and re-engage in development
Our service is child-centred and inclusive, ensuring that the voices of children and young people shape their care and recovery journey. We work collaboratively with families, schools and professionals as part of a “team around the child” to deliver joined-up, holistic care.
What CHUMS provides:
Trauma-focused therapeutic interventions (NICE guidelines informed)
1:1 therapy (6–12 sessions) tailored to individual needs
Structured group programmes (6 sessions)
Consultation and liaison with families, education settings and professionals
Our Approach
Accessible, inclusive and responsive
Compassionate and supportive
Evidence-based and clinically robust
Focused on recovery and adaptive growth
Supporting children to reclaim their childhood and re-engage in development
What we Support
Single Event Trauma
Single event trauma refers to a one-off distressing or frightening experience that overwhelms a child or young person’s ability to cope.
Examples include:
Road traffic accidents
Medical emergencies or procedures
Fires or accidents
One-off assaults (including sexual assault)
Witnessing a traumatic event
Animal-related injuries
These experiences may lead to ongoing post-traumatic stress symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance behaviours, or emotional distress.
Traumatic Bereavement
Traumatic bereavement occurs when a child or young person experiences the death of someone significant in a sudden, unexpected, or distressing way.
This may include:
Sudden or accidental death
Suicide
Witnessed or violent death
In these circumstances, grief is combined with trauma responses, which can significantly impact emotional wellbeing and development.