Carl Sargeant has announced funding of £400k in 2017-18 to help Cymru Well Wales set up a hub to tackle negative impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
There is evidence to suggest that children who experience stressful and poor quality childhoods are more likely to experience poor mental health and develop long term health problems as they move into adulthood.
The purpose of the hub is to help organisations, communities and individuals across Wales to tackle ACEs by bringing together people who are knowledgeable, skilled and experienced in this area.
Carl Sargeant said:
“Adverse Childhood Experiences are a major threat to well-being and economic prosperity and the Hub is part of a cross-Government programme of work in this area to be taken forward by Cymru Well Wales.
“Early intervention is key to long term health and well being. As a government we want to ensure that our policies tackle the underlying problems which can lead to adverse childhood experiences and have a lasting effect on children’s futures.
“We know that providing safe and nurturing environments for our children is the best way to ensure we raise healthier and happier adults who contribute to their communities and the economy. The hub will help increase our understanding of adverse childhood experiences and how we can work together to help reduce the number of children experiencing ACEs.”
Minister for Social Services and Public Health Rebecca Evans said:
“Public Health Wales (PHW) has published research in this area which emphasises the links between ACEs and the development of long term health problems. A healthy start in all aspects of a child’s life is key to preventing long term health and social problems in the future.”
Education Secretary Kirsty Williams added:
“Research shows that children with higher levels of emotional, behavioural, social, and school wellbeing, on average, have higher levels of academic achievement. As well as improving the health and wellbeing of children, reducing the number of ACEs will also lead to improved school behaviour, educational attainment and employability in future.”