A gathering of community workers to highlight the power of responsive relationships
On Thursday 16th May we gathered community and voluntary workers in partnership with Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme (YKABC) at Northridge House.
The aim of the event was to facilitate a discussion on building resilience in the community by raising awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and to explore how Cork community and voluntary workers can support those experiencing ACEs by nurturing relationships with them and adopting ‘a narrative of hope’.
The event included a screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary, ‘Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope’ which premiered at the Sundance International Film Festival and won Best Documentary at the Carmel International Film Festival 2016.
This powerful documentary delves into the science of ACEs and Toxic Stress and the impact these can have on health.
A key message is that people who have experienced adversity in childhood are not irrevocably damaged – there is hope. By being ACE aware, community and voluntary workers can act as a buffer or ‘that one good adult’ for those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
“It was wonderful to see so many community organisations and workers come together to explore this topic in a collective way and explore how being ACE aware can impact positively on individuals’ and families’ lives, health, wellbeing and resilience,” said Dr Maeve Hurley, our CEO.
“Relationships matter. Evidence shows that the quality of relationships is a key determinant of health and wellbeing. Communicating with compassion, listening reflectively and wondering what has happened to an individual rather than starting with the mindset of ‘what is wrong with an individual’ helps the worker to empathise and stay out of judgement.”
The event coincided with National Volunteer Week and Tusla’s Child and Family Support Week.
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