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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) are defined as traumas or significant stressors experienced in childhood that can have a significant impact on later health and development. ACE’s may be a single event, or prolonged exposure to something which threatens a young person’s trust, safety, security, or bodily integrity (Young Minds, 2018). Following early research, it was […]

From the very earliest stages of development, each person’s individual experiences (i.e., their relationships, social and cultural norms, life events, etc) begin to shape the way they view themselves, other people, and the world around them. Psychological formulation is a term used to define the process of making sense of a person’s difficulties/ distress within […]

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, which is focussed on the theme of ‘My Voice Matters’. The aim of ‘My Voice Matters’ is to highlight the importance of young people and children to use their voices to express what matters to them. Children’s mental health activities to help express feelings By using connection activities […]

My Voice Matters Children’s Mental Health Week will take place from 5th-11th February 2024. The theme for this year is ‘My Voice Matters’. ‘My Voice Matters’ aims to highlight the importance of ensuring that young people feel empowered to use their voices to express what matters to them. It emphasises the key role that caregivers […]

What is P.A.C.E parenting? Fostering Connection, Attunement and Relational Safety through Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. The P.A.C.E parenting model is a trauma-informed approach that was developed by clinical psychologist Dr Dan Hughes. It is an evidence-based way of thinking, feeling, and communicating that helps carers to build safety, security, and trust in the adult-child […]

A child psychologist is a clinical psychologist who is trained to doctorate level, specialises in working with children and young people, and addresses the unique psychological needs of each individual. A clinical psychologist is a legally protected title which means only professionals meeting the criteria set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) […]

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in education training is designed to provide educators with a better understanding and insight into what ACEs are and how they may impact children and young people. ACEs are traumatic experiences which take place during childhood or teenage years. ACEs have been found to be linked to poor outcomes in later […]

The research tells us that children who have experienced early trauma in the form of abuse, neglect and repeated patterns of misattunement and not getting their needs met will experience stress that typically exceeds their ability to cope. This leads to children experiencing a heightened stress state, they then have to focus on keeping themselves […]

With increasing numbers of children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties we are seeing the impact of this in our school settings and systems, the importance of understanding and addressing the psychological well-being of students cannot be overstated.  Schools and colleges play an important role in promoting and supporting the positive mental health and […]