A charity has launched a project calling for more support for adults affected by trauma they have suffered in childhood.
Extern has rolled out its online 'VBook', which contains articles about the positive input of social workers in helping those affected by a range of complex problems and needs.
Billed as the first of its kind, experts hope the resource will help the Department of Health in Northern Ireland identify gaps and plan for services for people struggling to cope due to bad experiences endured at a young age.
The Vbookni.org website was officially launched this week and the social justice charity believes it will play a key part in the education of the next generation of social workers.
It also points to the importance of voluntary services in "reducing toxic stress, building resilience and bringing about positive change in family relationships".
"Early intervention for children facing trauma in their lives is absolutely crucial, and this is just one of the ideas examined in the chapters of this new VBook,” said Gillian McAuley of Extern.
Academics from Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University were among those who provided support for the project, which is funded by Strategy for Social Work: Improving and Safeguarding Social Wellbeing.
