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October 2025

NEWS FOR ACTION 

A Monthly Newsletter to Spread the Seeds and Connect the Dots

The London ACEs Hub webinars are back with a new series for late 2025/26!
We begin with “Ruptured Families and the Impact of Father Absence”, opening space to reflect on how foundational trauma shapes identity and resilience.
We also spotlight the important new Leathersellers’ report, which offers powerful insights into how schools and communities can better support those facing disadvantage and adversity, a resource that can shape conversations and action.
We write at a challenging time. The recent BBC Panorama exposing the continuing harm caused by toxic officers in the Met, related to racism, misogyny, and Islamophobia, as well as the attack in Manchester and rising antisemitic incidents, reminds us of the deep pain and re-traumatisation such events bring. They also underline the urgent need for solidarity, connection, and community cohesion. As Desmond Tutu reminds us: “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
As we mark Black History Month, we reaffirm that Black history is not a side note but should be woven into everyday life. Lived experience, cultural identity, structural inequalities, and the collective strength needed to build resilience must remain central to understanding ACEs and trauma, guiding us toward safer, more inclusive futures.

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.

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 

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 🎥 LAH WEBINARS ARE BACK 🎥

Ruptured Families and The Impact of Father Absence: 

An ACE perspective

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 - 18:30-20:00 - Online - £0-60

The absence of a father can cast a long shadow, influencing how a person sees themselves in the world. In this webinar, Joanna Oliver and Mpume Mpofu will be joined by guests to explore how father-absence can act as a foundational trauma, impacting identity formation and sometimes leading to make-believe as a coping strategy. This gathering invites our community into a thoughtful and compassionate conversation where participants will have the opportunity to reflect on this adverse childhood experience (ACE) and the buffers that can help along the way, mitigating harm and contributing to both individual and relational healing.

The aim is to create a safe, inclusive space where we can acknowledge the challenges, recognise the resilience, and foster connection and belonging for those whose lives have been touched by father-absence. 

 

OTHER EVENTS

Trauma Informed First Aid Training for Young Parents

7 October 2025 - Session1: 10:00-13:00 / Session2: 13:30-16:30
Broadway House, Tothill St, Westminster, London SW1H 9NQ - Free

BABY-I is offering free trauma-informed paediatric first aid training for young parents, designed to build confidence and practical skills in emergencies. Sessions cover CPR, choking, burns, allergic reactions, fever management, and more, taught in small supportive groups with take-home guides and accredited certification.

Undercover In The Police: London Speaks Out 

 Thursday, 9 October, 20:00 - Online - Free

Following the revelations in the recent BBC Panorama documentary 'Undercover in the Police', the Alliance for Police Accountability (APA) is hosting an urgent online community forum. This event will bring together senior Black leaders, civil society voices and community advocates to respond to these revelations and to discuss what meaningful accountability now looks like for London’s communities.

Trauma Industrial Complex

Friday, 10 October 2025, 19:30 - The Conduit, London - £39.95 or Livestream £16.00

Orwell Prize-winning writer and hip-hop artist Darren McGarvey brings his Trauma Industrial Complex tour to London, joined by Nicola Sturgeon. Together they’ll explore how society’s growing focus on trauma is shaping our culture, asking whether the stories we tell help us heal or hold us back.

Get Ready For Anti-Bullying Week 2025

Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 16:00-17:00 - Online - Free

Anti-Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good invites schools and youth settings to a practical campaign briefing that will share this year’s plans, explain how to make the most of the free school packs, and provide ways to help young people safely speak up when they witness bullying, face-to-face or online. They will also be including Odd Socks Day (taking place on Monday, 10th November).

Perinatal Trauma: Research Findings & Best Practice

Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 13:00-14:00 - Online - Free

Make Birth Better are hosting a free one-hour webinar with Dr Rebecca Moore, bringing together healthcare professionals and researchers to reflect on new research into perinatal trauma and share best practice. The session will include discussion, practical insights, and collective learning, with a short presentation and Q&A. Slides and a recording will be shared with all who register.

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 - Online - £179 - £5 Members/Non Members

Last chance to join the ACAMH’s first conference from their Special Interest Group on Adverse Childhood Experiences! 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. 

Health in All Policies: Turning Local Decisions into Healthier Communities

Tuesday, 28 October 2025, 13:00-14:30 - Online

This webinar will explore how a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach can embed health considerations across local government decision-making, recognising housing, transport, planning and employment as vital to reducing inequalities. Participants will learn about practical tools to support more transparent and holistic infrastructure and investment decisions, and how engaging with developers, investors, and communities can help build healthier, more equitable outcomes for all.

Celebrate Young Artists in London

 1 October - 19 December 2025, 10:00-18:00 - Free

This autumn, Oxford House in Bethnal Green hosts a vibrant exhibition of work by young migrant artists created through Kazzum Arts workshops. Featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the show brings together themes of power, hope, freedom, and connection, reflecting the voices and visions of young people from groups including Brighter Futures, ECPAT, Shpresa, CARAS, The Create Group, and Young Roots. A celebration of creativity as healing and self-expression.

ARC 2025 Annual Conference

10 November 2025, 9:00-16:00 - The Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL - Members - £259+VATNon-Member - £299+VAT

The Attachment Research Community (ARC) will host its Annual Conference  under the theme 'Relational Approaches, Inclusion and Belonging: Myth, Necessity or Achievable Reality?'. The event will bring together educators and practitioners to explore attachment and trauma-aware practice. 

REPORTS

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Preventing and Tackling Adverse Childhood Experiences

July 2025

The Leathersellers’ Foundation’s Initial Summary Report (July 2025) highlights the work and impact of the first year of its five-year ACEs Strategy, supporting 24 ACEs-focused charities and CIOs across the UK. Through trauma-informed prevention and support, including counselling, wraparound help, mentoring, housing, and creative arts, it has reached 45,000+ children, young people, and adults. The strategy’s focus on breaking harmful cycles, prioritising prevention, and building shared evidence strongly aligns with the London ACEs Hub’s mission to reduce adversity, strengthen systems, and amplify lived-experience voices across London and beyond. We highly recommend the report as a source of inspiration and action!

Hunger in the UK

September 2025

The latest Trussell Trust report reveals that 3.8 million children are living in households facing food insecurity, with families experiencing severe impacts on both physical and mental health. Beyond hunger itself, poverty can be deeply traumatic, creating stress, stigma, and uncertainty that affect whole communities. The findings highlight the urgent need for systemic solutions to ensure no child or family is left struggling to afford the basics.

Mental Health Still the Leading Cause of Late Maternal Death

11 September 2025

The latest MBRRACE-UK report, highlighted by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, shows that mental health issues, including suicide, remain the leading cause of late maternal death (6 weeks–1 year postpartum). Many women who died had histories of disadvantage, childhood trauma, domestic abuse, or involvement with social services. These findings underline the urgent need for trauma-informed perinatal care across London, ensuring women’s histories are recognised and support is holistic.

ACTION AND TOOLS

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Violence Reduction Academy Symposium 2025

Deadline 27 October 2025

The Violence Reduction Academy: A collaboration between NHS England and Queen Mary University of London, will hold its second annual symposium on 20 November 2025 in London. Bringing together professionals from health, social care, voluntary, academic and related sectors, the event will focus on a public health approach to reducing violence through cross-sector collaboration.  They would like to showcase emerging research in this field and are asking for abstract submissions for consideration to be displayed as posters during the symposium.

Developing Your Strategic Response to Child Sexual Abuse

September 2025

This new guide, produced by the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA Centre), supports safeguarding children partnerships in strengthening local action plans, following recommendations from the national review into intra-familial CSA. It emphasises that sexual abuse is as common as other childhood harms but less likely to be identified, and it underscores the leadership role of partnerships in ensuring children receive protection and support wherever they live. The guide also provides practical steps to help overcome strategic challenges in identifying and responding to CSA.

Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences

1 September 2025

The Sentencing Council’s guideline sets out the principles judges and magistrates must follow when deciding between non-custodial and custodial options. It explains thresholds for custody, the importance of considering community orders first, proportionality, totality, time spent on remand, and mitigating factors such as age, mental health, and caring responsibilities. The guidance aims to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in sentencing decisions across England and Wales.

RACIAL JUSTICE

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History On Loop: the Sustained Impact of School Exclusions on Black Communities

September 2025

Runnymede Trust, with Communities Empowerment Network, examines how school exclusions operate as structural racism, disproportionately impacting Black (especially Black Caribbean), Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller pupils, and those with SEND. Based on interviews, it finds that exclusions are used prematurely to manage results, harming learners, families, and communities. Recommendations include centring anti-racism, early culturally appropriate support, reforming behaviour policies, a moratorium on exclusions, timely SEND help, continuity of education, and racial-literacy training across the workforce.

Language, Power, and the Global Majority.

BLAM UK have written an article on the power of language, exploring how the term ‘Global Majority’, coined by Rosemary Campbell-Stephens MBE, reframes identity and challenges labels like “ethnic minority” and “BAME.” The piece highlights how such terms centre whiteness and restrict “honest, authentic, non-coded conversations about race and racism,” while adoption by organisations such as Westminster City Council shows momentum for change. BLAM UK is a Black-led charity championing Black history education, cultural empowerment, and racial justice.

March 2024

The ALLFIE's report on Black/Global Majority disabled pupils and their families in mainstream education highlights the intersection of racism and ableism, showing how exclusionary practices and unmet needs create lasting harm, echoing the effects of trauma. The findings call for systemic change to make schools inclusive, supportive spaces that foster equity, belonging, and wellbeing.

Black People’s Experiences of Being Asked About Adverse Childhood Experiences

2023

A study by Sødal, Huddy & McKenzie offers valuable insight into how Black communities in the UK experience being asked about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Participants stressed that standard ACE questionnaires often miss the realities of racism, discrimination, unsafe neighbourhoods, and institutional harms. One participant explained: “Racism has been the biggest trauma of my life… if you don’t ask about that, you don’t know me.”  The research underlines that trauma-informed practice must be culturally sensitive to avoid retraumatisation and build trust.

NEWS AND INITIATIVES 

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ACAMH's 32 Newsletter

Check out the latest edition of the ACAMH's ACEs Special Interest Group newsletter. It features a fresh selection of research and resources on the impact of adversity on individuals and communities, and preventive initiatives.

Pure Reset

Pure Reset is a new service offering “trauma-informed, dignified, and sustainable resets of homes and lives.” Drawing on lived experience and social care expertise, they provide sensitive support for people whose home environments have been affected by trauma, while promoting long-term wellbeing and reduced relapse. Pure Reset represents an innovative approach to trauma-informed practice.

Children Coming into Our Care: A compassionate, trauma-informed approach

11 September 2025

Children Coming into Our Care (CCIOC), launched by Lewisham Children’s Services, is a trauma-informed approach to reduce the distress children face when entering care. It emphasises planning, family involvement, and compassionate practice to ensure dignity and stability. Preliminary evaluation by Goldsmiths University shows CCIOC is improving planning, reducing distress, and strengthening placement stability, while giving practitioners greater confidence. With expansion planned, it could set a new national standard in trauma-informed care.

BOOKS AND ARTICLES

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Recovery History Network Events

25 September 2025

In this article, Baljit Kaur shares highlights from the Recovery Histories Project’s first in-person network events, which took place at Birkbeck University of London (May 2025). The event brought together survivors, academics, practitioners, and partner agencies, including Survivors Voices, Survivors in Transition, The Flying Child, and the Association of Child Protection Professionals. Sessions centred on co-production, the Survivors’ Charter, ethical research methods, and the survivor-created film 'In 3 Words'. Feedback highlighted the power of combining survivor-led insights with academic debate to shape future research.

Trauma Industrial Complex

14 August 2025

In his latest book, Darren McGarvey unpacks how society’s growing focus on trauma has brought both openness and a surge of misinformation. Drawing on his own experiences and public conversations with figures like Nicola Sturgeon, he asks whether the stories we tell about trauma are liberating us or keeping us trapped. A bold, challenging read that questions how trauma is framed in culture, policy, and everyday life.

VIDEOS AND PODCASTS

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Arts, Culture and Self Compassion

30 September 2025

In this Attune Project podcast episode, Lili Z Nagy, mental health researcher at the University of Oxford, shares insights on participatory methods from her extensive experience and work on the ORIGIN Project, led by Dr Rebecca Syed Sheriff and Professor Kamaldeep Bhui, aiming to have a positive impact on the mental health of 16–24-year-olds. A qualified youth counsellor with a decade of frontline experience, Lili reflects on participation, self-compassion, and creating inclusive interventions particularly for neurodiverse young people.

Undercover in the Police

1 October 2025

Secret filming by BBC Panorama has revealed racism, misogyny, and officers boasting about excessive force at Charing Cross police station, raising renewed concerns about the continuing toxic culture within the Met Police. Within the LAH's ACEs framework, racism, discrimination, and institutional harm are recognised as forms of adversity that generate toxic stress for individuals and communities. When trust in those meant to protect us is broken, the impact can reverberate across generations. For a powerful first-hand account of the harmful consequences of police misconduct, read Lee Lawrence’s story in our Lived Experience section.

Weathering the Storm: Lifelong Effects of Racism on Health

In this episode from A Dialogue of Equals, Patrick Vernon reflects on the long-term effects of anti-Black racism on body and mind, while Professor Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, examines how systemic racism shapes health institutions. Lynette Charles, Chief Executive of Mind Haringey, brings a community perspective on tackling inequalities and creating fairer mental health support.

Flow

This film centres around Amy’s story and it was inspired by survivor interviews. It explores how society hinders disclosure of childhood sexual abuse, and aims to improve responses in health and social care. Endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, the film builds on Claire Cunnington’s Wellcome Trust research and was funded by Research England. Viewer discretion advised.

31 July 25

26 September 2022

LIVED EXPERIENCE

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My Mother Was Shot by the Police

30 September 2025 

In The Guardian, Lee Lawrence reflects on the trauma of his mother Cherry Groce being shot by the police in 1985 and how it shaped his life. Now leading the Cherry Groce Foundation, he trains recruits and campaigns for accountability, directly challenging the culture of institutional racism in the Met Police. As he says, “If officers are doing wrong and not being penalised for it, what type of culture is that fostering?”. His lived experience echoes the findings of Panorama’s recent investigation into misconduct and bigotry in the Met , which you can find in our Videos & Podcasts section.

ROOTS AND RESILIENCE 

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

Our eyes are closely connected to the nervous system, and gentle movements can help signal safety and calm. Try this simple practice:

👁️ Sit comfortably and take a few steady breaths.
👁️ Slowly move your eyes to the left, hold for a breath, then return to centre.
👁️ Move your eyes to the right, hold for a breath, and return to centre.
👁️ Repeat 4–6 times at your own pace.
👁️ Notice any changes in your body—such as softer breathing, shoulders easing, or a sense of calm.

This bilateral movement can help engage the vagus nerve and support regulation.

➡️ If you’d like to learn more, see Dr Arielle Schwartz’s article: The Vagus Nerve and Eye Movements.

A DOT OF INSPIRATION

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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.

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