A Proud Moment for PEGS: Michelle John Receives Her MBE at Windsor Castle
A special milestone for our founding director Michelle, and an important moment for PEGS.
Yesterday was a very special day for PEGS, as our founding director, Michelle visited Windsor Castle to receive her MBE, presented by Princess Anne.
It was a moment of enormous pride for our team, as Michelle was formally recognised for her outstanding work in family support and advocacy.
For those who know Michelle and the work she has dedicated herself to, this recognition means so much. Her commitment to raising awareness of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), advocating for families and pushing for meaningful change has been at the heart of PEGS since we began.
But what exactly is an MBE, and why does this recognition mean so much to us at PEGS?
What is an MBE?
MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. It is a national honour awarded to recognise outstanding achievement or service to the community that has made a significant, lasting difference.
People receive MBEs for contributions across many areas, including charitable work, public service, education, healthcare and community support. The honour recognises individuals whose work has had a meaningful impact and whose contribution stands out as an example to others.
For Michelle, this recognition is for her services to family support and advocacy.
It acknowledges work that has helped bring attention to a form of abuse that can be difficult to talk about, frequently misunderstood and deeply isolating for the families experiencing it.
Why this means so much to PEGS
CPA can and does impact families in many different ways. Parents, carers and guardians experience fear, threats, intimidation, controlling behaviours or physical abuse from their child. They may find it difficult to explain what is happening at home or worry about how others will respond if they speak openly about their experiences.
Too often, these families have found themselves without the recognition or support they deserve.
PEGS exists to help change that.
Through supporting families, raising awareness, delivering training for professionals and working to influence national and regional policy and practice, we want to help create a world where CPA is recognised, understood and responded to appropriately.
Michelle's MBE is a significant moment because it recognises the importance of family support and advocacy - the need for this work to continue.
For us, it also represents the importance of listening to families, believing their experiences and making sure their voices are heard.
A recognition that reaches beyond one person
PEGS has grown through the dedication of our team, the commitment of those working alongside us, the professionals who want to improve their understanding of CPA and the families who have trusted us with their experiences.
Every conversation that helps a parent feel heard matters. Every professional who develops a better understanding of CPA has an opportunity to respond differently to a family. Every step towards better awareness and support helps move us closer to the change that is needed.
And we must recognise the families themselves.
Parents, carers and guardians who share their experiences, often during incredibly difficult circumstances, help challenge the misconceptions surrounding CPA. Their voices matter and their experiences must continue to inform the conversations, services and decisions that impact them.
Michelle has often spoken about the importance of the parents who have trusted her and PEGS along the way. They are a reminder of why this work matters and why there is still so much to do.
Looking ahead: there is still work to do
Receiving an MBE is an incredible milestone and we are taking a moment to celebrate what this means for Michelle and for PEGS.
However, our commitment remains the same.
We will continue working to raise awareness of Child to Parent Abuse, support the families impacted by it, we will continue to equip professionals with the knowledge they need and advocate for better understanding and responses across services and systems.
There are still families who feel unable to speak about what is happening at home. There are still professionals who need greater awareness and understanding. And there is still work to do to ensure that parents, carers and guardians can access appropriate support without fear of judgement.
From all of us at PEGS, we are incredibly proud of Michelle and the recognition she has received.
Michelle, your dedication to family support and advocacy has helped bring an often-hidden issue into the conversations that need to happen. We are proud to be part of the work you have built and continue to champion.
A huge congratulations on receiving your MBE, presented by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle.
Thank you to everyone who has supported PEGS, stood alongside the families we work with and helped us continue this important work.
And to every parent, carer and guardian whose experiences have helped shape our understanding of CPA: your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard.
