Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Abstract

The Policy Team submitted a bid to Sense about Science to host an evidence pod during Parliament’s Evidence Week. Our bid was accepted in open competition against significant others. The Society’s pod was situated next to the influential National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Dr Lisa Shostak (Chartered Clinical Psychologist) and Nigel Atter presented three-minute evidence briefings to a wide range of parliamentarians. The briefings focused on the importance of prevention and early intervention and the potential impact of ACE’s on an individual’s long-term wellbeing, mental and physical health. They engaged with over 50 parliamentarians providing evidence that showed if work to prevent ACEs began early enough, some of the lifelong health and social negative impacts could be reduced, including: harmful drinking, drug abuse, divorce, teenage pregnancy, violence and imprisonment. The event was really useful as it provided an opportunity to talk about the psychological evidence base directly to parliamentarians and their staff. Rupa Huq MP, whom Nigel and Lisa met, said, ‘I think Evidence Week is really important – we politicians often seem to shoot from the hip.’ This was a successful opportunity to raise awareness amongst parliamentarians on this important topic.