What are ACE's?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful events occurring in childhood. these might include the following:

• Domestic violence
• Parental abandonment through separation or divorce
• A parent with a mental health condition
• Being the victim of abuse (physical, sexual and/or emotional)
• Being the victim of neglect (physical and emotional)
• A member of the household being in prison
• Growing up in a household in which there are adults experiencing alcohol and drug use problems.

The term was originally developed in the US for the Adverse Childhood Experiences survey which found that as the number of ACEs increased in the population studied, so did the risk of experiencing a range of health conditions in adulthood. There have been numerous other studies which have found similar findings including in Wales and England.

ACEs have been found to have lifelong impacts on health and behaviour and they are relevant to all sectors and involve all of us in society. We all have a part to play in preventing adversity and raising awareness of ACEs. Our communities have an important role in tackling ACEs.

An ACE survey with adults in Wales found that compared to people with no ACEs, those with 4 or more ACEs are more likely to:

• Have Mental ill-health
• Have been in prison
• Develop heart disease
• Frequently visit the GP
• Develop type 2 diabetes
• Have committed violence in the last 12 months
• Have health-harming behaviours (high-risk drinking, smoking, drug use)

When children are exposed to adverse and stressful experiences, it can have a long-lasting impact on their ability to think, interact with others and on their learning.

ACEs should not be seen as someone’s destiny. There is much that can be done to offer hope and build resilience in children, young people and adults who have experienced adversity in early life.

The Format 

• 1/2 Day .
• Learning takes place through a mix of group activities, presentations, discussions and videos. 

On completion

• Everyone who completes the course will receive a Cedar Tree certificate of attendance.

What we cover

• Introduction to ACEs
• Brain Development in the Early Years
• The Impact of Childhood Adversity
• The Impacts of ACEs Early Trauma on Society, Health and Community 
• Protective Factors
• Looking at ACEs Through a Trauma Informed Lens
• Building Resilience

Cost

The cost is based on a group booking per organisation.
Costs may vary depending on location, venue and instructor.