Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma are experiences of physical and emotional abuse and neglect in childhood, which can have a negative impact upon education experiences, physical and mental health, a greater risk suicide and addiction and more.
With Emotion Focus, we are leading the development of a trauma informed university and Warrington to better support both students, staff and people living in the town who may have experience of trauma. We will also be working with colleagues to make changes to university programmes to develop informed graduates entering their workforce.
We will be using established key evidence and principles for supporting people who have lived through trauma. The aim is that the University of Chester and Warrington becomes a sustainable, trauma-informed institution and town that can:
Recognise where an individual may be affected by trauma.
- Support the recovery of those affected by trauma by providing them with a different experience of relationships. Each encounter provides the opportunity to reverse the association between trauma and relationships and is an important part of recovery.
- Be aware that both subtle and obvious reminders of previous traumatic experiences and relationships can cause distress and contribute to people disengaging and dropping out of support and education.
- Adapt practice to address barriers and support engagement as part of a system that asks “what has happened to you?” rather than “what’s wrong with you?”.
- Know that trauma can be resolved and that optimism about recovery is justified.
- Promote the evidence that good education, supportive social networks and communities are protective factors and promote resilience and adaptive coping strategies.
If you would like to know more about this project or would like to get involved, please get in touch by email: pbccl@chester.ac.uk