Social Environment, Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences
Findings from a recent research study¹ confirmed that positive relational experiences in childhood can alter the effect of adverse experiences and the early stress that many children, especially with social and emotional developmental needs experience.
The relational foundation of the Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Programme acknowledges and actively promotes the PCEs model to ease emotional distress and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in children and young people. These positive experiences are:
Ability to talk with family about feelings
Felt experience that family is supportive in difficult times
Enjoyment in the participation of community traditions
Feeling of belonging in school
Feeling of being supported by friends
Having at least two non-parent adults who take genuine interest in them and care
Feeling safe and protected by an adult at home
¹ Bethell, Jones, Gombojav et al (2019)
The framework for Hamish & Milo comes from a range of theoretical contexts which hold the quality of relationship at the core of support work and togetherness with peers as a social group. Hamish & Milo is based on attachment aware theory and the importance of early social and emotional development, as well as understanding the emotional stress that many children with SEMH needs experience and the impact on the developing child.
