Hamish & Milo, positive childhood experiences, and building HOPE

At Hamish & Milo, we know that childhood experiences, both challenging and positive, shape who we become. While much attention has rightly focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), growing research on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) is showing us the power of nurturing, safe, and supportive experiences in promoting lifelong mental health and wellbeing.

Through the lens of the HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences), the Hamish & Milo Programme aligns with evidence-based approaches to building resilience, emotional growth, and connected communities for children.

What research tells us about positive childhood experiences

ACEs, such as trauma, neglect, or household stress, have been linked to long-term risks, including mental health challenges, chronic illness, and unhealthy behaviours.¹ But the story isn’t only about adversity…

The first large-scale study examining PCEs was conducted in Wisconsin in 2015 by Dr. Robert Sege, Dr. Christina Bethell, and colleagues at the HOPE National Resource Center. Using over 6,100 adult participants, they investigated seven key PCEs:

The seven Positive Childhood Experiences or PCEs

The study, published in JAMA Paediatrics,² found that adults reporting more PCEs had significantly lower odds of depression and poor mental health. Importantly, PCEs were found to buffer against the negative effects of ACEs proving that supportive, nurturing experiences can have a profound protective effect across the lifespan.

Subsequent research across multiple US states expanded the findings, linking PCEs not only to better mental health but also to lower prevalence of physical illness and even economic benefits, including reduced medical costs and increased healthy life years.³

The key finding: Children don’t just survive ACEs, they can thrive when exposed to positive, safe, and supportive experiences.

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The HOPE framework: four building blocks for positive experiences

The HOPE framework, developed by Dr. Sege and colleagues, provides a practical, evidence-based approach for promoting PCEs in children’s lives. At Hamish & Milo, our programme aligns with these building blocks, helping children develop resilience, emotional literacy, and a sense of belonging.

1. Relationships

Children need safe, supportive relationships with family, peers, and other caring adults. How Hamish & Milo supports this:

  • Key trusted adults who are compassionate, kind and welcoming lead the Hamish & Milo programmes and support the expression of feelings and experiences as well as the learning of social and emotional skills.

  • A sense of belonging is created through small groups and structured activities which encourage peer-to-peer connection and empathy.

  • A community of care is created through the development of peer relationships, adult to child relationships and even parent/carer and school partnership.

  • A families programme enhances and creates positive relationships between home and school as well as between family members and the children.

  • Sock puppet pets become companions, offering children a safe way to explore feelings.

2. Environments

Safe, nurturing environments allow children to explore, play, and learn freely. How Hamish & Milo supports this:

  • Emotionally safe places are created based on nurturing principles of care, value, kindness and respect.

  • Children are encouraged with safe key adults and small groups of their peers to explore their feelings and experiences. They begin to know that they are not alone and are safe to express themselves without fear of judgement.

  • Sense of belonging is created in environments that promote togetherness and social connection.

  • Creative activities provide rich display material to value and celebrate children’s work and experiences.

  • Nurturing spaces away from the classroom environment provide a haven or sanctuary for feeling heard and listened to.

3. Engagement

Children benefit from participating in meaningful activities where they can make a contribution. How Hamish & Milo supports this:

  • Children take part in creative activities and are encouraged to be playful and have fun as well as having opportunity to be reflective and open in discussion.

  • A sense of togetherness is created that enables children to engage and enjoy the group experience.

  • The practical and creative activities enable problem solving, development of resilience and engagement in learning.

4. Emotional growth

Children develop resilience by understanding and expressing emotions, supported by empathetic adults. How Hamish & Milo supports this:

  • Safe expression of emotions with trusted adults leading small groups of children.

  • Sock puppet pets and guided activities allow children to explore and express challenging feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety without fear of judgement.

  • Understanding and reflecting on experiences through creative activities, role-play and discussion helps children recognise emotions in themselves and others, building empathy and self-awareness.

  • Children develop skills in friendship, conflict resolution, coping with change or loss, celebrating diversity, and enhancing self-esteem.

  • The programme fosters a supportive environment linking children, peers, families, and schools, creating a sense of care and connectedness.

Why Hamish & Milo matters for positive childhood experiences

By combining creativity and emotional learning, Hamish & Milo aligns perfectly with research on PCEs.

  • Provides safe, supportive relationships through facilitation by trusted adults and small groups of peers who learn and share their experiences together.

  • Creates environments where children feel emotionally and physically safe and secure.

  • Encourages active engagement and contribution in meaningful ways.

  • Supports emotional growth by helping children identify, understand, and communicate feelings and their life experiences.

In essence, Hamish & Milo gives children a voice while embedding experiences that research shows will help them thrive as adults, even if they have faced adversity.

Bringing HOPE

While the original PCE research was conducted in the United States, the principles are universal. All over the world, children can benefit from programmes that intentionally provide safe relationships, supportive environments, meaningful engagement, and opportunities for emotional growth.
By integrating PCEs and the HOPE building blocks into school and community settings, we can:

  • Promote resilience and mental wellbeing in all children

  • Reduce the long-term impacts of adversity

  • Create communities where children are heard, understood, and valued

Hamish & Milo is more than a programme, it’s a research-informed approach to nurturing hope, connection, and emotional health for all children.

  1. Felitti VJ, et al. (1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
  2. Sege R, Bethell C, et al. (2015). Positive Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental Health. JAMA Paediatrics.
  3. HOPE National Resource Center. (2025). PCEs and Lifelong Health. JAMA Network Open.
  4. Sege R & Harper Brown C. (2017). HOPE Framework: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. Academic Paediatrics.
Cartoon of Milo sleeping on his chair

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