21/11/2025
Reflections on Today’s ACE Training
Today myself and Wendy Wilcock had the opportunity to attend an incredibly insightful training session on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and it’s left us with a lot to think about.
We explored how early trauma shapes behaviour, health, and long-term life outcomes. What really struck me was how coping mechanisms like smoking, substance use, or withdrawal often originate from unresolved childhood stress rather than “poor choices.” The science behind this is powerful - childhood trauma literally changes the way our brains and bodies respond to the world.
A few key takeaways that really resonated with me:
🔸 The behavioural stress responses the 6 F’s:
Friend, Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flop, Flock - natural survival responses, not character flaws.
🔸 Sexual abuse, grooming, bullying, poverty, family pressure, and community trauma all contribute to increased vulnerabilities and long-term risks.
🔸 Protective factors matter just as much as the risks:
Nurturing relationships, stable family environments, secure attachment, positive friendships, feeling part of a community, and being empowered can transform outcomes.
🔸 Trauma-informed practice isn’t about fixing people - it’s about understanding them.
“It’s not what’s wrong with you, it’s what happened to you.”
We also talked about the enormous cost of ACEs to the UK - £42.8 billion in 2019–2020 alone and the huge potential impact of shifting more resources into prevention.
One message from today will stay with me for a long time:
“You matter. You mean a lot. You’re capable of healing.”
Trauma-informed care is about:
✨ Empowerment
✨ Trust and clarity
✨ Connection
✨ Choice
✨ Feeling valued
✨ Safety
It’s a reminder that every small act of understanding, patience, and compassion can change someone’s life trajectory.
Feeling grateful for the learning and inspired to put it into practice.
