6This book presents a whole child, whole family, whole community overview of what ACEs means to families, children and young people in the North East of England and Cumbria. These regions of England have some of the highest levels of childhood adversity in England and this is reflected in the higher levels of risk taking behaviours young people take. It is clear that Adverse Childhood Experiences are a 'big deal' in the North for this generation and the next. Time for discussion is a luxury these families do not have. If not now- when? If not us- who? The book was written and developed in support of the Great North ACE conference 2019 at St James Park and provides the basis of understanding ACEs: why all the fuss and is applicable for any area anywhere in understanding why we need to see the whole child, the whole family and the whole community.