About CATS

We are a working group of activists who are concerned about and aware that Burn Out, Post Traumatic Stress and other forms of mental health issues can be the negative consequence of activism.
We are NOT experts regarding these issues and see ourselves as primarily activists looking to facilitate and engender support networks within activist communities.

Copenhagen Activist Trauma Support (CATS)

Who we are and what we do
We are a working group of activists who are concerned about and aware that Burn Out, Post Traumatic Stress and other forms of mental health issues can be the negative consequence of activism.
We are NOT experts regarding these issues and see ourselves as primarily activists looking to facilitate and engender support networks within activist communities.
It seems that as a movement we need to acknowledge the psychological effects of the brutality and stress that we are subjected to because of our political activism. However we believe that it is within our power to help and support each other. Emotional first aid is as important as medical first aid, legal aid and prisoner support.

How we do it
We work by facilitating a space where you can relax, sleep, regain energy, have a coffee or talk about your experience. What we aim to provide is:

• Quiet space: a space where loud talking and phones are banned. No action planning or exited talk about action. Just quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
• Active listening: an offer to listen to what ever you feel you need to get off your chest. Not offering specific advice, nor actual therapy.
• Facilitating contact: with your network, friends and/or family are generally in a better position to help you feel better. If need be passing on contact information to friendly psychologists.
• Food: because we all need to eat
• Resting areas: because we also need to sleep

Copenhagen Activist Trauma Support are working with ideas adapted from both Out of Action (Germany) and Activist Trauma Support (UK).
More info on activist trauma support: http://cop15firstaid.ucrony.net,  www.outofaction.net and www.activist-trauma.net
Contact CATS: efa-cop@aktivix.org

Kontakt-email: efa-cop@aktivix.org