Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful events occurring in childhood including

• 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.

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. Resilient communities have an important role in action on ACEs.

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

• 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.

Should you wish to find out more about ACEs then please undertake the following online training link funded by the Home Office. It will take about 50 minutes.