TALK ABOUT

Connecting with friends, colleagues and the community can all make a huge difference to someone who has experienced ACEs. Being that trusted adult for a child, or a friend providing a shoulder to cry on, can provide the buffer a person needs to build resilience and reduce the negative impact ACEs can have.

Dr Nadine Burke Harris, in her book The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity talks about the importance of the buffer.

“Every adult in a child’s environment has the opportunity to provide buffering, caring, therapeutic moments. Every one of us can seek to optimise the cumulative dose of these moments.”

Be there for someone in need

The mental health charity Time to Change provides support and advice on how to be there for those who need you and start important conversations, whether a friend, family member or work colleague. Find out more on their website.