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Training

Disaster Management

Aftermath of a disaster in the Cape Town

In March 2005 The Trauma Centre signed a Service Level Agreement with the City of Cape Town.  The aim of this agreement was for the Trauma Centre to play the role of LEAD AGENCY in ensuring an effective and coordinated crisis mental health service for victims and their next of kin, bystanders and frontline workers in the aftermath of a disaster in the Cape Town area.  It was felt that this partnership would serve to prevent an escalation of the disaster, to alleviate, contain and minimise its effects (Disaster Management Act 2002:56). 

Replication of DRM model

The DRM project 2005 / 2006 was conceived as a pilot intervention. Since presenting the pilot at the DMISA (Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa) the Trauma Centre has received requests from as far a field as Limpopo, for similar interventions to be replicated in other municipalities.  Currently in the WCape, the Cape Metropole is the only municipality that has a mental health disaster preparedness strategy.  

The Trauma Centre aims to replicate this model to other municipalities.  The intervention will entail (in consultation and partnership with local role-players) the following:

  • Conduct a thorough needs assessment in order to design municipality specific interventions
  • Establish a mental health preparedness plan
  • Identify a lead agency for each municipality
  • Train the lead agency in its role and setting up of multi agency team
  • Train multi agency team per municipality
  • Train professional and community based volunteers
  • Develop resources based on the specific needs identified
  • Provide on going supervision and support to the lead agencies in each municipality
  • In the event of a large-scale emergency or disaster in one of the identified municipalities the Trauma Centre would partner the Lead Agency and provide negotiated capacity.

Incidents where Trauma Centre were called in to assist:

  • 2006  Attempted Hijacking on SAA flight
  • 2005  Kloof Street Bus Accident
  • 2005  Cape Town Train Accident
  • 1999  Manenberg/ Guguletu Tornado
  • 1998 Planet Hollywood Bombing.
©2007 The Trauma Centre, All Rights Reserved
 Calendar of Events

16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children

The Trauma Centre wish to bring to the attention of every person in South Africa the appalling fact of the ever increasing violence against women and children. How many moms (of our precious children) and our children are brutally assaulted daily?

Lets Unite against Abuse of Women and Children

Speek to as many people as you can about seeking help if there are abusers and perpetrators around your area 

during this international campaign that takes place annually in South Africa from 25 November (International Day of No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The logo of the Trauma Centre, designed by Sue Williamson, is symbolic of our organisation's historic links with Robben Island. Our goal is to build a nation of survivors in South Africa. Robben Island photo donated by photographer, Cornel de Kock. Content managed website developed by WORLDAFRICACREATIVE (go to www.world-africa.com)