Sefton Council hosted a celebration last week for all the participants of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) programme attended by Dr Risthardh Hare, Director of Children’s Services and Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care.

All individuals on the programme shared inspirational stories of their individual pathways to recovery, processing past trauma and learning effective coping strategies. They shared what they had learned as a result of the programme and what services can do better to support people with Adverse Childhood Experiences.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Recovery Programme is a 10-week programme aimed at helping adults to develop positive coping strategies and increase their understanding of ACEs. The programme offers guidance on protective factors that can help reduce the impact of ACEs and provides practical methods for adults to develop resilience, confidence within themselves and their children.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, an advocate for the programme congratulated all participants, sharing some of her own experiences and Dr Risthardh Hare joined her in a commitment to embed knowledge of ACE’s more thoroughly within the workforce.

Participants said:

“I have now been in my own home for over a year. I have full parental responsibility and I have a better understanding of ACEs and how to cope. I am not on any medication and my confidence and self-belief are great.”

“I am no longer in a wheelchair and I’m more independent. I’m getting my DBS certificate to volunteer with the ACEs group. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, I feel safe and secure, I know my identity and I have healthy understandings on relationships.”

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said:

“The impact of the ACE programme cannot be overstated; programmes like this quite literally turn people’s lives around and I was so moved by the stories shared by the participants.

“Through no fault of their own, these women have had to deal with a range of traumas in their past and I am so pleased they have found the ACE programme and now feel empowered to put their past behind them.

“Early intervention is at the heart of our approach to working with families and the ACE’s programme is aimed at breaking the cycle of trauma. Adverse Childhood Experiences can impact the children of those struggling with ACEs and intervening early can prevent certain traumas being passed on to the next generation.”

Those on the programme are now taking part in a follow-on group with the goal of developing a Sefton ACE network of ambassadors across all profession that work with children, young people and families. They will be working with the Council to produce a training package which they will deliver, sharing their lived experience. 

For additional information on the ACE Recovery Programmes or Follow on Programme in Sefton contact Leeann.doolin@sefton.gov.uk