The Alliance motion has called on the Council to adopt trauma informed practice. It will allow Councillors and Council Officers to develop an understanding of how trauma can have an impact on the emotional, physiological, and social well-being of a person and help inform decision making. 

Cllr Donnelly has said: “As a Council, adopting a trauma informed approach is crucial when making decisions. The training provided will allow MEA Council to understand the significant impact trauma has on a person’s life and will teach us to be conscious of sensitivities around Trouble related incidents in order to avoid triggering those who have experienced trauma. 

“As a post conflict society, we need to do better to become more trauma informed. We don't have a shared narrative of the Troubles. Some of us have been impacted more than others, but the trauma will have affected most families in the province and could have been passed down through the generations. English Councils already have this training, and it is crucial that we also have it here because the need for it is high.

“Our Council will benefit from this approach, moving forward to become more trauma informed. You never know who you are speaking to, so it is important to be mindful when discussing sensitive subjects to avoid potentially upsetting or triggering someone.”