Sue Irwin - Founder of EmBRACE & Lead Consultant 

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are those that directly harm a child; such as physical, verbal and sexual abuse or physical or emotional neglect – as well as those that affect the environment where they grow up; including parental separation, domestic violence, mental illness, alcohol abuse, drug use or incarceration.

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ACEs unfortunately are common, but they can be prevented.

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ACEs in an Educational Setting and EmBRACE provides a framework for supporting different agencies in preventing them and supporting those impacted.

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It is important for organisations to recognise the difference between ACE-awareness (understanding ACEs) and ACE-informed (changing practice and culture).

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As a national lead on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Sue Irwin founded 'EmBRACE' (Emotionally & Brain Resilient to Adverse Childhood Experiences) and is the Lead Consultant for the implementation of EmBRACE.

EmBRACE in an Educational Setting is an established, consultant led, school improvement approach for schools/colleges. I have used my transferable skills to lead other professionals outside of an educational setting to develop their practice and provide change management through an ACE lens. This has led to the development of EmBRACE in a Multi-Agency Setting.