A CULTURE OF COMPASSION Hub’s pioneering approach to childcare in Scotland is hailed
West Lothian is setting the gold standard in a pioneering approach to childcare in Scotland.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Hub was formed in May by professionals with a shared interest in raising awareness of the issue.
Lisamarie Purdie, a local headteacher and Iain Smith a local lawyer, led a presentation to the council’s Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel and described the long-lasting effects of “toxic levels” of stress in children.
The ACEs programme is based on research in the US which identified 10 key stressful Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which have long lasting destructive effects on young children.
These include physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, substance abuse and also include issues such divorce or having a parent in prison.
Research in the US has shown that prolonged exposure to ACEs can damage not only emotional but also physical health, and alter behaviour.
More than 100 people from a range of sectors attended the first meeting.
A steering group was established which now includes around 30 representing education, criminal justice, health, police and social policy.
The council has bought the licence to a documentary, ‘Resilience’, which spotlights ACEs and the ways to recognise and tackle the effects and this film was first screened in June. It has been shown to teachers and those who work with children and has been credited with helping the local hub to develop so quickly.
A report to the council’s Education Policy and Development Scrutiny Panel welcomed the purchase of the screening licence, adding: “This forward thinking decision has been significant to create a culture of compassion in West Lothian.
“The West Lothian Hub is seen as a gold standard by many within Scotland’s ACEs movement due to the inclusive nature of it and its attempts to engage with all professions, services and agencies, including third sector.”
Key to helping youngsters overcome ACEs is the positive input of mentoring adults. Professionals involved included GPs and other healthworkers as well as teachers and those working with children. Councillor David Dodds, chair of the panel, congratulated the presentation team and said he was “hugely impressed” by the contribution made by all involved in the hub.
The hub is seen as the gold standard