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Government told it's time to 'unlock the trauma trap' of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Cross party MPs have called on the Government to ‘unlock the trauma trap’ of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and free children with a population-wide public health strategy.
Cross-party MPs are calling for action on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), PHOTO: Adobe Stock
Cross-party MPs are calling for action on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), PHOTO: Adobe Stock

The All-party parliamentary group (APPG) on a Fit and Healthy Childhood has published a new report, ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences: Roads to Recovery’, which calls for the following measures:

  • A National ACE strategy.
  • Enhanced Data Collectuon and Research.
  • Strengthened Early Intervention and prevention.
  • ACE awareness integrated into education policy.
  • Support for families.
  • Cross-sector collaboration
  • Public awareness campaigns.

Chair Steve McCabe MP said, ‘The fact that Adverse Childhood Experiences can blight the entire life courses of individual children and their families is something that is ignored and obscured by stigma and shame but the individual tragedy of ACEs transmits a legacy of misery that can devastate entire communities.

'ACEs are and should be a national public health issue.'

Lead Author Helen Clark added, ‘This is the approach that unites economic and social justice because the UK works best when it can harness the abilities and talents of all of its citizens. It’s time for Government to unlock the trauma trap and free all children to build their future and ours too.’