Negative experiences in childhood may alter physical health into middle age and beyond

Research from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London has found that trauma experienced in childhood may have an impact on physical health in adult life.
The study followed a thousand individuals from birth to age 32. The findings suggest 'that childhood experiences can affect nervous, immune and endocrine functioning, which agrees with earlier findings in animal experiments.
By age 32, 'adults who had been maltreated as children were twice as likely to suffer major depression and chronic inflammation. Children who grew up poor or socially isolated were twice as likely to show metabolic risk markers at age 32.'

The article can be read here: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/news_details.php?news_id=1246&year=2009
Updated 22nd January 2010


JEP Articles

The following articles have appeared in the Jersey Evening Post over the last couple of months.

Picture of the Decade

Ronald Thorne

A Price Worth Paying
Updated 12th January 2010

Bob Balfour:

Bob spent 7 years in the  ‘Looked After Care’ of the Bryn Alun Community. A main focus of Sir Ronald Waterhouse’s report into child sexual abuse in North Wales ' Lost In Care ' (2000). He has experience in sectors ranging from the RAF Regiment, Police, Voluntary Sector and private business, in roles up to senior management. Currently he is studying for a BSc Psychology with Counselling. 

Bob sits on UK National, regional and local specialist sexual violence/abuse strategic bodies, most recently working with CEOP and advising the Jersey Health Dept on developing innovative approaches to supporting victims/survivors of abuse on Jersey.

Bob founded Survivors West Yorkshire (SWY) in 2000.  SWY supports adult male and female victim/survivors and their friends/ families from its Bradford base. You can find out more about Bob and his agencies work by going to the following:  www.malehealth.co.uk and looking under abuse or simply google Bob Balfour sexual abuse !   Survivors West Yorkshire also publishes a series of reports under the title  ‘A View From Inside The Box’, the current 3 in the series can be found at: 

http://www.napac.org.uk/survivors/publications/other_resources.asp

Updated 10th September 2009

Forgotten Australians

The Australian Government is to apologise to Forgotten Australians and Lost Innocents.
The Australian Government acknowledges that the abuse and neglect suffered by many children in institutional or other out-of-home care during the last century was unacceptable.
Sunday 30 August marks the anniversaries of the landmark tabling of the Senate Community Affairs Committee’s Lost Innocents – Righting the Record (2001) and Forgotten Australians: A report on Australians who experienced institutional or out-of-home care as children (2004) reports.
The Australian Government believes it is now time to apologise.
By the end of 2009 the Australian Government will issue a formal statement of acknowledgement and apology, on behalf of the nation, to Forgotten Australians and former child migrants. In the spirit of the bipartisan nature of the Senate Inquiry reports, the Government will work with the Opposition to develop the remembrance event.
Read the whole article HERE
Updated 3rd September 2009

JCLA Marathon Runners

This year Jim Goddard, Joseph Cooper and Lewis Cooper will be running The Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon. On Sunday 27th September 2009, they will start on the streets of St Helier and runs through some of the Island's most scenic spots. Every penny they raise will go to Jersey Care Leavers' Association to support their work to provide services to care leavers and to campaign for equality.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Jersey Care Leavers' Association gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. Your kind donations and support is very much appreciated.
www.justgiving.com/JCLAmarathon/
Updated 26th August 2009

1st Anniversary

The JCLA marked its 1st anniversary on the 30th April 2009 with a buffet for members and guests at the Museum Brassiere, St Helier. Speakers on the night were Eireann Le Poidevin (Chair JCLA), Will McMahon (Chair UK CLA), Jim Goddard (Secretary UK CLA), and Monfort Tadier (States Deputy). It was acknowledged just how far the JCLA has come in the past year in a somewhat stressful environment. It was also acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done. All members, relatives, supporters and dignitaries were thanked for their support and the JCLA looked forward to their continued support in the future.
Updated 30th April 2009

Future Use of Haut de la Garenne

With the recent revelations that Haut de la Garenne was to re-open for visiting military forces, the JCLA voiced their strong disapproval at the insensitivity and timing of this announcement. We are pleased to advise that the JCLA are soon to begin consultation with the States of Jersey regarding any future use of the building. We would welcome your comments and opinions in this matter « For more information - click here »
Updated 30th March 2009