Centre for Population Health News. Published 01/05/2025
A new study published in Plos One highlights the critical role of timely, targeted support in helping young people overcome the challenges of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and safeguarding their health and wellbeing.
Led by PhD student Flo Avery from the Centre for Population Health (CPH), in collaboration with colleagues at Swansea University, Liverpool John Moores University, Bangor University, and Public Health Wales, the research focuses on the support young people say would make the most difference in helping them move forward after childhood adversity.
ACEs are difficult or traumatic events experienced before the age of 18, such as abuse or family struggles like substance misuse. It is estimated that around half of adults in Europe and North America have experienced at least one ACE. These experiences can dramatically increase the risk of long-term health problems, making them a serious public health concern.
This study surveyed 559 young people aged 16-18 living in Wales about their experiences with ACEs and the support they received. To ensure the findings truly reflected the voices of young people, the research included public involvement workshops where participants could discuss and interpret the data, connecting it to their own experiences and those of their peers.
The young people identified key areas where support should be focused to make the biggest difference:
- A Family-Centred Approach: Rather than focusing only on individuals, young people want support that helps entire families navigate challenges together.
- Support, Not Blame: Families should be offered help rather than judgment during difficult times, ensuring that parents and caregivers feel supported too.
- Trust and Open Communication: Speaking to a trusted adult was seen as hugely beneficial, but it is essential that these conversations are met with understanding and respect. Young people also want more open discussions about ACEs, so they aren’t treated as taboo.
- Schools as Key Support Hubs: Schools and colleges are vital places for support, offering a safe environment where young people can seek guidance and build peer connections.
- Tackling Loneliness: Many young people highlighted the importance of peer support in helping them feel less isolated and more understood.
“Our research highlights the type of support that young people find most valuable,” said Flo Avery, lead author and PhD student at the CPH. “Ensuring that families are supported, schools act as safe spaces, and that young people can speak openly without fear of judgment are all key ways we can help reduce the long-term impact of ACEs.”
Professor Sinead Brophy, Director of CPH, added, “This study underscores the critical window of opportunity during adolescence and early adulthood. By providing the right support at the right time, we can significantly alter the course of young people’s lives, safeguarding their mental health and wellbeing for years to come.”
By focusing efforts on these key areas, professionals, policymakers, and communities can work together to create a more supportive environment for young people who have experienced adversity.
Read the full publication here.
Drawing upon these findings, Flo Avery is now conducting a pilot feasibility trial in Welsh primary schools of a group intervention for 9-11 year olds affected by ACEs.