EMMA HARPER MSP WELCOMES £1.35 MILLION TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
SNP MSP Emma Harper welcomes the announcement made by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP for more support for front line workers responding to psychological trauma.
An additional £1.35 million from the Scottish Government will be invested to create a national training programme, developed for workers supporting people who have had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and traumatic experiences in adulthood, such as physical or sexual abuse.
The programme will be led and coordinated by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) who will work with partners, including people with lived experience, to create and deliver quality training resources.
Commenting, Ms Harper, said:
“I welcome the announcement made by our Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP that will ensure that there is increased support available to children who have encountered adverse childhood experiences and traumatic experiences in adulthood.
“I attended the first Adverse Childhood Experience Cross Party Group chaired by my colleague Gail Ross MSP, where John Swinney MSP spoke and took part in a questions and answer session.
“Further to this announcement, I have written to Dumfries and Galloway Council to ask what support is provided to teachers so that they can help identify and support any children that they suspect may be experiencing adverse childhood events.
“This additional investment from our Scottish Government is welcome news, and will make a big difference to the lives of many in the South of Scotland and across Scotland.”
Mr Swinney said:
“Almost one in five adults has experienced physical or sexual abuse in their childhood, and more than a quarter of all women have experienced domestic abuse.
“These traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on people’s lives which is why preventing them, and helping children and adults overcome them, is a priority for the Scottish Government.
“This training will give front line workers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need when responding to people affected by adversity and trauma – giving choice and control to people who need it most.”
Experts across Scotland have made additional comment and support this announcement including Barnados Director, Martin Crewe and Sandie Barton of Rape Crisis Scotland as well as Mary Glasgow of Children 1st.
