Childhood Experiences Are Linked To Physical And Mental Health Outcomes.
Teconnaught woman Deirdre McLaughlin, has set up a new venture called Connected For Life with business partner Marie Blaney in an exciting new area pushing the boundaries out in social and health care.
A highly experienced social worker and former manager with Youth Justice, and a social work trainer, Deirdre is looking forward continuing in developing a new approach to delivering care around mental and physical health, social care, justice and counselling. She said: “To explain how Adverse Childhood Experiences are linked to poor physical and emotional health and social outcomes, we have organised viewings of a brilliant award winning film called Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope, which will be shown in:
Eclipse Cinema, Downpatrick on Thursday 7th Sept at 10am.
“We have also organised viewings in Omagh, Portadown Antrim and Derry and the Belfast viewing was very well attended.
“This film, Directed by James Redford, an acclaimed documentary film maker and son of actor Robert Redford, was borne from ground breaking research known as ‘The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study’, which has been described as the biggest ever public health discovery. This study found that two thirds of people had experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE).
The film explores how and why those who experience childhood adversity are increasingly likely to develop a range of physical and mental health problems and can find it difficult to learn and / or manage their behaviour. It explains why issues that weigh heavily on society, such as crime, addiction, domestic violence and educational underachievement, have their root in childhood adversity.
“However, Resilience is also a story of hope. The message is that what’s predictable is preventable. The ACE study led to the emergence of great practice, helping to build resilient children, families and communities, to help break the cycles of adversity and disease and greatly improve the health of future generations.
“After the film there will be an audience discussion / Question and Answer session, led by a panel. Panel members are: Koulla Yiasouma, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People; Gavin Davidson, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Queens University; Arlene Healy, who founded the Family Trauma Centre in 2008 and Fintan Connolly, Founder of TakeTen Emotional Health and Wellbeing Programme.
“The film will be of interest to individuals or organisations who work with children or with those who are impacted by childhood adversity. It will also be of interest to parents, carers or those who have personal experience of childhood adversity.
“There are still a few seats left for the Downpatrick viewing so contact us on the details on the website to book a seat in Downpatrick’s Eclipse Cinema on Thursday 7th September at 10am.
To find out more information on the film, book a place see and upcoming events, go to:
www.connectedforlife.co.uk/events
