BrACE-Aware
Making Braes an ACE and Trauma-Informed High School: BrACE-Aware
Why 'Making Braes an ACE and Trauma-Informed School'?
The term Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is used to describe a wide range of stressful or traumatic experiences that babies, children and young people can be exposed to whilst growing up. The term was first introduced as part of the American Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. This study found that as the number of adverse childhood experiences increased for an individual child, so did their risk of experiencing a range of physical and mental health conditions during the course of their lifetime.
Some Mental Health organisations have reported that Covid-19 and its repercussions could be the next ACE.
However, the negative impact of ACEs and Trauma can be reversed through:
- Awareness and understanding of ACEs and Trauma
- Knowledge about where to find support at home, at school and in the community
- Access to resources to help build Resilience
- Involvement in programmes that support young people who have experienced ACEs and Trauma
- Sharing of own ACEs experiences when/if ready to do so
The Braes model on ACEs is not based on screening of ACEs. It is a strength-based model where pupils feel empowered through awareness and understanding of the impact of ACEs and Trauma, therefore fully taking part in their recovery process.
How is Braes becoming an ACE and Trauma-Informed School?
- Development and delivery of PSE classes aimed at specific year groups
- Building a team of ACE-informed teachers who can support their pupils and guide them to relevant stakeholders
- Possibility for pupils to take part in Resilience groups such as 'Making Positive Choices', 'Managing Strong Emotions', 'The Science of Well-Being', 'SafeBae', 'Flourish')
- Possibility for Senior Pupils to become an ACE and Trauma-informed Ambassador
Who is involved in 'Making Braes an ACE and Trauma-Informed School'?
- Pupils
- Parents
- SfL department
- Cheryl Butler
- Guidance Team
- Onwards and Upwards department
- ACE and Trauma-Aware Teacher Ambassadors
- ACE and Trauma-Aware Pupil Ambassadors
Useful websites to support young people:
Childline Resources and articles to help Families and Educators support the Mental Health of Young People
Child Mind Institute Resources and articles to help Families and Educators support the Mental Health of Young People
The Childrens Society A charity which fights for children's happiness with a lot of testimonies from young people who have experienced trauma
FDAMH Working with people and families experiencing the impact of mental illness in Falkirk
Mentally Healthy Schools Resources and articles to help Families and Educators support the Mental Health of Young People
NHS
Samaritans
Young Minds Resources and articles to help Families and Educators support the Mental Health of Young People
BrACE-Aware Parents/Carers' corner:
Click on the following links to find more information on:
- Understanding Child Traumatic Stress: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS (nctsn.org, pp 18-20)
- 8 Devastating Ways That ACEs Can Affect Parenting (SAHM Academy)
- 6 Significant Reasons That ACEs Affect Your Parenting (SAMHS Academy)
- Your Number Story
Article 39 'Children who have experienced trauma must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect and social life'.
