news-for-action-september-2025

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

SEPTEMBER 2025

NEWS FOR ACTION

A Monthly Newsletter to Spread the Seeds and Connect the Dots

This month’s newsletter has reached you a little later than planned, but it comes with the hope of warming your heart and offering extra inspiration in these troubled times.

London witnessed this past weekend yet another demonstration of how our society, both in the UK and across the world, is becoming increasingly divided. Mahatma Gandhi famously said: “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear.”

At the London ACEs Hub, we aim to look beyond behaviour to understand the pain that usually lies beneath. We also take seriously our responsibility, as individuals and as a community, to work towards changing the systemic and structural conditions that allow pain and fear to spread rather than heal. It is an enormous commitment, but one we embrace wholeheartedly. Together, we can make a difference.

Amid so much instability and conflict, it is easy to lose sight of the struggles faced by those close to us, or even the struggles within ourselves.

September is always a full and reflective month, and with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we wanted to highlight some of the important work and resources emerging across the UK and beyond.

There are many powerful suicide prevention initiatives to share: from PAPYRUS’ new Sinking Feeling school resource, helping teachers and young people talk openly and safely about difficult feelings, to lived-experience stories of survival that remind us of the strength in reaching out for help. We also bring news of how schools are being equipped to save lives, alongside updates from research, articles, and reports on racial justice, trauma-informed care, and ACEs.

This issue gathers together current events, powerful voices, and practical resources, all with the shared aim of preventing harm, supporting healing, and standing with communities in compassion and solidarity.

Join our movement!

Joining the London ACEs Hub means becoming part of a growing community dedicated to understanding and responding to the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through connection, collaboration, and care. Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, policymaker, or someone with lived experience, the Hub offers a space to share knowledge, amplify trauma-informed approaches, and help shape a more compassionate, resilient London. Together, we’re creating change from the ground up. Join us and be part of the movement.

Join Us

News for Action aims to spread news related to ACEs, trauma-informed care (TIC), and resilience-building! The 'three pillars’ of the London ACEs Hub.

If you have information or events to share that align with our aims, please send them to the contact below for knowledge mobilisation.

TIME FOR NEWS FOR ACTION!

EVENTS

Uncovering the Link Between Chronic Pain and Substance Use After Sexual Assault: Implications for Trauma-Informed Care

Wednesday 17 September 2025 - 14:00 - 15:00 (GMT-05:00) - FREE

TIHCER (Trauma Informed Health Care Research and Education Collaborative) hosts a talk with Dr. Rose Olson on the links between sexual assault, chronic pain, and substance use. Sharing early findings from a cohort study, she will examine opioid prescribing patterns, pain diagnoses, and the roles of PTSD and depression. The session will highlight implications for trauma-informed care, clinical training, and system-level interventions to better address the long-term health impacts of violence.

Join

A Fun Way to Feel Better

Thursday - September 18, 2025 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM BST - Online - FREE

The SPI’s STAR Protocol: A Fun Way to Feel Better workshop introduces a playful, body-based approach to supporting regulation, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. Through simple and engaging practices, participants learn how the STAR Protocol can help restore balance to the nervous system and create a greater sense of safety and connection, making it a valuable tool for both children and adults.

Addressing Adversity, stress, Trauma and the Associated Mental Health Responses of Children and Young People

Tuesday 23 September 2025 - 5pm - Online - £5 Members/Non Members

ACAMH is hosting a webinar on Amal for Children, a 9-part animation series helping children aged 8–14 cope with trauma, grief, anxiety, and toxic stress. Centred on Saleem’s story, the series uses KidNET (Narrative Exposure Therapy for children) to build resilience and healing. The session will show how the episodes can be integrated into the Hope for Children and Families Programme and will be presented by colleagues from Digitales and Child and Family Training.

Developing your strategic response to child sexual abuse

Wednesday 24 Sep 2025 - 10:00-11:00 BST - Online - Free

The CSA Centre is hosting a free webinar to launch its new resource, Developing your strategic response to child sexual abuse: A guide for safeguarding children partnerships. Presented by Dr Natasha Sabin, the session will outline how the guide supports partnerships to tackle the strategic challenges of child sexual abuse, build stronger multi-agency responses, and develop evidence-based strategies that improve protection and support for children across all contexts.

Trauma Informed Care – Understanding the challenges, and the pragmatic steps which need to be taken to operationalise and deliver Trauma Informed Care across services

Thursday 16 October - 10:00-17:00 GMT - Online - £179 - £5 Members/Non Members

ACAMH’s first conference from their new Special Interest Group on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This landmark event brings together leading experts from across the UK and Europe to share cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and real-world case studies for embedding trauma-informed approaches in health, education, and youth services. With insights from those leading systemic change in Denmark, Wales, and Scotland, and innovative frameworks like MICE (Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy), this conference is a must for professionals looking to turn trauma-informed theory into meaningful action.

REPORTS

A blurred out person looking at a laptop screen

Violence against women and girls in schools and among children and young people

7 August, 2025

A new Parliamentary report highlights rising violence against women and girls, particularly among school-aged girls (10–15). Recognised by the Home Office as a public health crisis and described by the National Police Chiefs’ Council as an epidemic, the report notes growing risks in schools, online, and public spaces. Despite new policies, gaps in implementation remain, with calls for whole-school prevention, digital literacy, and stronger survivor support.

Read

ACTION AND TOOLS

Out-of-School Settings Safeguarding: Call for evidence

Deadline 21 September 2025

The Department for Education has launched a call for evidence to shape future safeguarding policy for Out-of-School Settings (OOSS), a diverse sector that includes tuition centres, youth groups, sports and arts clubs, holiday camps, and faith-based education. With up to 80% of children attending OOSS, the government is seeking views on existing safeguarding practices, challenges, and reforms—ranging from voluntary guidance to potential registration or regulation. The consultation is open to parents, carers, providers, local authorities, safeguarding bodies, and young people themselves. Responses will inform long-term policy to improve safety and confidence in OOSS.

Respond

Enhancing trauma-informed approaches in mental health services

London Psychological Professions Network (PPN), in collaboration with Lived Experience Advisors, has launched Enhancing Trauma-Informed Approaches in Mental Health Services. This co-created project centres lived experience to inspire change and, when you sign up, you’ll gain access to a powerful film blending storytelling and spoken word, alongside a comprehensive booklet with prompts to embed trauma-informed practice. The aim is to create safer, more compassionate mental health services that nurture connection and healing.

read

Suicide Awareness Training

Take action for Suicide Prevention Day 2025 and sign up to this free short, online course (for anyone aged 16+) from ZSA (Zero Suicide Alliance). It offers practical skills in recognising suicide risk factors, spotting warning signs, and starting supportive conversations. With real-life videos, coached scenarios, and guidance on where to find help, the training empowers people to feel more confident in reaching out. It takes around 30 minutes and can be done at your own pace. A certificate is provided on completion.

RACIAL JUSTICE

Threads of Intergenerational Leadership

30 August 2025

The Ubele Initiative, an African diaspora–led infrastructure plus organisation, continues to empower Black and Minoritised communities across the UK. In August, they released four new articles in their Canerow: Threads of Intergenerational Leadership series, featuring Mia Morris OBE, Yvonne Christie, Anita McKensie, and Barbara Gray. These conversations, led by Yvonne Field OBE during her Churchill Fellowship, honour the wisdom, resilience, and vision of Black women leaders.

The full collection of 14 articles will be published in October for Black History Month 2025, alongside a retreat report and original illustrations by Tinuke Fagborun.

Read

NEWS AND INITIATIVES

BPS Policy & Public Affairs Update

27 March 2025

The BPS Policy & Public Affairs Update highlights psychology’s role in shaping national policy through campaigning and consultation. From strengthening the role of educational psychologists in SEND reform to responding to consultations on health, disability, and education, the update shows a strong focus on children and young people’s mental health—aligning closely with LAH’s mission for trauma-informed systems change.

Read

PAPYRUS HELPS SCHOOLS SAVE LIVES

4 September 2025

PAPYRUS has launched free classroom resources based on its award-winning animation Sinking Feeling to help schools and colleges talk about suicide prevention in a safe, age-appropriate way. Aimed at Year 6 to Year 13, the lessons include films, worksheets, discussions, and activities exploring loneliness, peer support, coping strategies, and how to seek help. The resources, linked to new Department for Education guidance, will equip school staff to tackle difficult subjects with confidence and begin rollout across the UK by 2026.

Read

BOOKS AND ARTICLES

Violence across the life course and physical and mental health trajectories in later life: a 13-year population-based cohort study in England

July 2025

A new study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity shows that experiencing violence in childhood or adulthood has lasting effects on health into later life. Drawing on 13 years of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, researchers found higher risks of long-term illness, disability, and depression among those exposed to violence. These health impacts did not lessen over time, underlining the need for stronger prevention and support across the life course to promote healthier ageing.

Read

Meet the three-year-olds helping anxious teens spend more time in school

30 August 2025

A recent BBC article spotlighted a mentoring project by Power2 that pairs teenagers with toddlers to tackle school avoidance. Over 16 weeks, teens mentor nursery children, building confidence, responsibility, and stronger engagement with school. Participants like Siena and Miller say their attendance has more than doubled and they feel calmer and more confident. According to Power2, 78% of young people on the scheme improve their attitude to learning, while toddlers benefit from one-to-one support.

Read

VIDEOS WEBINARS AND PODCASTS

Data, Distress and Hope

28 July 2025

The ATTUNE Project Podcast episode “Data, Distress & Hope” features Professor Ann John, a leading voice in public health, psychiatry, and suicide prevention. Released ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), the conversation explores how data, storytelling, and lived experience can shift practice around youth mental health. Ann shares insights from the DataMind project, her media advisory roles, and her powerful message of hope for young people who want to make change.

Listen

From Adversity to Advocacy: Healing Trauma

24 June 2025

In the first episode of The Psycho-Social, host Warren Larkin speaks with Ben Perks of UNICEF about Trauma Proof (praised by Bessel van der Kolk). They explore how safe relationships change trajectories, why trauma-informed systems and early intervention matter, and the hopeful message that healing is possible at any age. A powerful, policy-aware listen for anyone in mental health, education, or social care.

Listen

Is Air Pollution Harming our Children’s Minds?

20 August 2025

In this ACAMH Mind the Kids podcast, host Mark Tebbs speaks with Dr. Silvia Alemany about pioneering research from Catalonia on how air pollution and green spaces influence children’s emotional and behavioural well-being. Drawing on findings from the CAMH Special Issue, they explore why small effects matter when exposure is widespread, the role of urban planning in safeguarding young minds, and practical steps parents and communities can take to create healthier environments for children.

Watch

Transforming Education for Trauma-Affected Children

16 July 2025

The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma presents another episode in its TRAUMA TALKS series on The Therapeutic Parenting Podcast, where Sarah Naish and Gareth K. Thomas explore the challenges children with trauma face in schools. They highlight the limits of current policies, the value of trauma-informed approaches, and the need for strong parent–school collaboration to ensure children’s behaviours are understood as trauma responses and supported effectively.

Listen

LIVED EXPERIENCE

Saved by compassion – Sadie’s story

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to preventing suicide in people under 35 and promoting positive mental health. Founded in 1997 by bereaved parents who lost children to suicide, it now operates UK-wide, offering support through its free, confidential helpline HOPELINE247, alongside community engagement, training, and campaigning for legislative change.

Read Sadie’s story: After struggling with her mental health as a teenager, Sadie found strength in reaching out for help and is now committed to breaking stigma around suicide. As a PAPYRUS supporter, she shares her lived experience to show young people that recovery is possible and that support can save lives.

Read

ROOTS AND RESILIENCE

Even in hard soil, growth is possible. Roots and Resilience is here to honour your strength, support your rest, and help you stay rooted in care and growth.

The polyvagal theory reminds us that our nervous system is always scanning for safety. We can strengthen resilience by practising small exercises that help bring calm, balance, and connection. Here are a few to try:

🤲 Self-Touch for Soothing 🤲
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Feel the warmth of your hands and take 3–4 steady breaths. This signals safety and support to the body.

👣 Grounding Through Feet 👣
Sit or stand with feet flat on the floor. Press your feet down gently, noticing the strength and stability beneath you. Imagine roots growing from your soles into the earth.

🫁 Extended Exhale Breathing 🫁
Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6 or 7. The longer out-breath activates the vagus nerve and helps the body relax.

A DOT OF INSPIRATION

“If you chase butterflies they fly away

Said moonlight to the sun
But if you create a beautiful garden
The butterflies will come”

Lemn Sissay

HAVE SOME NEWS TO SHARE?

Send Us a Hello

JOIN US

LETS REACH MORE HEARTS

FIND US ON

Disclaimer: News for Action is a collection of initiatives and information shared by members and collaborators of the London ACEs Hub (LAH).

The LAH is an independent and non-partisan network and the opinions here presented might not represent the LAH. All items included in this newsletter aim to promote constructive discussion as well as personal and collective development.

We use ChatGPT as a supporting tool in creating our newsletter, and our team reviews all items before publication. If you notice anything inaccurate, we’d love to hear from you, as we may occasionally miss things.

Photos by Roy James Shakespeare

If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.