NEWS

Respond trauma charity to join the Bild Group in 2024

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We are delighted to announce plans for Respond, a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma, to join the Bild Group this year. The Trustees of both charities have made the in principle decision that this will take place later in 2024.

Respond provides specialist psychotherapy, advocacy and trauma-informed training and consultation and will join the three other independent charities within the Bild Group – Bild, the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and Bild Association of Certified Training (ACT).

Bringing Respond’s vital work into the Bild Group unites the charities’ shared commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people through trauma-informed working and championing human rights.

All charities within the Bild Group operate independently with their own Board of Trustees and governance arrangements, whilst sharing a common goal – to help build a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy the same rights and opportunities.

Ben Higgins, CEO of the Bild Group, said: “We are really looking forward to working more collaboratively with Respond. Respond provide a vital service in the sector and are an example of best practice in trauma-informed and relational working. This positive step enables us to continue and strengthen our collective commitment to improving support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.”

Georgina Hoare, Interim CEO of Respond – who will step down from her role within the organisation at the end of July – said: “I am delighted that Respond is joining the Bild Group and that by working together, we can continue to focus on delivering life-changing trauma-informed services, whilst benefiting from the Bild Group’s wider expertise in training delivery, influencing and coproduction.

“This move builds on years of collaborative working between Respond and the Bild Group as members of the Valuing People Alliance and most recently co-hosting trauma-informed conferences, webinars and workshops. There is a natural synergy in values that will allow us to have the biggest impact possible for people with learning disabilities and autistic people who are living with trauma.”

There will be no changes to the services received by Respond clients. The charity will continue to be London-based whilst also offering remote support.

A Director of Respond is being recruited, with the process being advertised by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), The Survivors Trust and CharityJob from the 21st June.

Download the official release here.

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