ABOUT US
Awareness surveys
2018 Survey
During July 2018 Action on ACEs Gloucestershire ran a survey of professionals and organisations in the county to get a snapshot of current awareness levels of ACEs and to see what work is already underway.
Using the survey, we wanted to uncover the language people use to describe childhood adversity and trauma informed practices. We asked questions around the impact of ACEs, strategies in place to support those affected and the level of professional training being provided. The results of the survey helped inform the content for our November conference, as well as the information we will provide to professionals as our work continues.
In summary:
- 216 people completed the survey
- Respondents included professionals working in health, education, social care, police and charities
- 76% had heard of the term ACEs with the majority saying their knowledge was good to fair
- However many said their knowledge of prevention interventions and impact mitigation was fair to poor
- Many respondents refer to ACEs as toxic experiences, trauma or a general term, so the use of consistent language is important
2019 Survey
During November and December 2019 Action on ACEs Gloucestershire ran a second awareness survey of professionals and organisations in the county to get a snapshot of current awareness levels of ACEs and to see what work is already underway.
In summary:
- 205 respondents completed the survey.
- Respondents included professionals working in education, health, local authority, charities, housing, police and community groups.
- 91.6% of respondents had heard of ACEs compared to 2018 with 76.4%, which is marked improvement.
- Since 2019 more people are talking and listening during their interactions, as well as increasing their awareness on what ACEs are. There has been a reduction in discussing the impact of ACEs and getting people to talk about their feelings.
You can read the full report here:ACEs-2nd-awareness-survey-report-1.pdf
In clinical practice I would often to talk with about how understandable it is that they find some things tricky because of the things that have happened to or around them in the past. I do not use the language if ACEs, but I do stress the importance of asking “what has happened to you?” as opposed to “what is wrong with you?”.
I think it is great that there is a campaign targeting this issue in Gloucestershire and that it has pulled together all areas of the public and non profit sectors.
I note from my work as XXX Adult Service Coordinator and as a primary school governor their is an increase in the professionals I meet who refer to ACEs and have a developing knowledge and understanding to contribute to decision making.