In 1998, the original ACEs study was published, leading to the realisation that childhood trauma is a root cause of many entrenched social issues. This has gradually led to new ways of approaching education and behavioural issues, including an understanding that learning can only happen when children feel safe and secure enough to take risks and open themselves up to challenges, and that this can be difficult for children whose early life has been impacted by trauma.
- 2014 – School for Inspiring Talents (SfIT) opens, pioneering a trauma-informed therapeutic school environment. SfIT will be the first recipient of the award for Trauma-Informed-Schools (TIS).
- 2019 – Co-founder Mark Escott becomes an Amazon bestseller with his book ‘One More Life Chance’, detailing his own inspiring journey from trauma to transformation.
- 2021 – SfIT wins a national award for excellence in pastoral care. The first cohort of students turn 16 and move on from SfIT, sparking staff conversations about the lack of post-16 support available.
- 2021 – Founding trustees meet and the Life Chance Group commits 3 years of core funding.
- 2022 – Chris Keeling-Rowe is recruited to lead the development of Life Chance Trust, which becomes a registered charity.
- SfIT is shortlisted as Specialist Provision of the year in the national TES awards. We submit our first grant application, receive our first donations and new trustees and advisors come on board.
- We are awarded £40,000 by the Listening Fund, a youth-led consortium of major national funders. We are chosen as a charity partner for Devon Contract Waste’s annual ‘Recycle and Raise’ charity appeal.
- Work begins with young people, including youth consultation to inform national healthcare policy and practice.
- 2023 – Our mentoring and coaching pilot begins, aiming to Transform 25 lives by 2025!
- The revised and updated second edition of Mark Escott’s book is published, with all proceeds being donated to Life Chance Trust.
Life Chance Trust 