Wellbeing looks different for everyone, especially for parents and caregivers experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (CPA). There’s no one-size-fits-all, what helps one person may not work for another, and that’s okay.

We asked our team how they look after their own wellbeing, and here’s what they shared.

Finding Calm in Simple Things

Some of us find peace in small, everyday moments. Being in the garden, tending to plants in a greenhouse, or just stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air can slow the mind and help us feel a little more grounded. Others enjoy reading a few pages at the end of a busy day, it’s a quick escape, a quiet pause just for yourself.

Even short breaks, like stepping back to breathe, pausing to reset, or doing something hands-on like colouring or crafting, can be surprisingly powerful. One team member shared how they lose themselves for hours in colouring, helping to quiet the constant “overthinking” and give their mind a break.

Moving the Body, Clearing the Mind:

Physical movement can also be a simple yet effective way to support mental health. Walking outdoors, decluttering a messy space, or just getting some fresh air can calm the mind, reduce stress, and even improve sleep. One of us mentioned how keeping a tidy environment helps reduce mental clutter, it’s amazing how much a little physical organisation can lift your mood (with a well deserved brew afterwards!)

Doing Something Special:

Whether it’s cooking, going bowling, taking a long walk in nature, or enjoying a hot cup of tea with a feel good book, doing something enjoyable and intentional can make a difference. These “small moments” may seem minor, but they’re valuable opportunities to reset, recharge and give yourself permission to focus on your own needs even if it's for only 60 seconds.

We know that sometimes, you need more than these small strategies and that’s okay too. Support exists, whether it’s chatting with a friend or family member, accessing therapy, or for the team, using our employee resources like Paycare. Knowing support is there if you need it can make life feel a little less heavy and reassure you that you’re not alone.

While all of us at PEGS understand how important wellbeing is, we also know that on tougher days we need real, practical ways to support ourselves.

One of the ways we support ourselves at PEGS is through Paycare, which is available to all members of the PEGS team. Paycare is an employee wellbeing and benefits service that provides access to a wide range of support. This includes things like counselling and mental health support, GP and health advice, financial and legal guidance and everyday wellbeing resources which can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Having access to Paycare means our team can get confidential, professional support whenever they need it both for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Alongside this, we also offer wellbeing days.

A wellbeing day is exactly what it sounds like… a day dedicated to looking after yourself. Working with families impacted by Child to Parent Abuse can be emotionally demanding at times, and we recognise that this work can sometimes affect our own wellbeing too. A wellbeing day gives a team member the space to pause, rest, and recharge.

That might look like staying at home and watching a favourite TV show, going for a gentle walk in the local park, spending time doing something enjoyable, or simply having a day without pressure or expectations. There’s no “right” way to use a wellbeing day as it’s about doing whatever helps support your own wellbeing in that moment of time.

Because looking after ourselves helps us continue to show up with care, compassion, and understanding for the families we support.

A reminder from the team at PEGS

Taking care of your wellbeing isn’t about being perfect or doing everything “right.” It’s about pausing when you need to, finding what helps you feel a little lighter, and being kind to yourself on the harder days.

At PEGS we see the importance of wellbeing for our team and the parental figures we support. It’s not about distractions, it’s about moments that give us space and a sense of calmness in lives that are often unpredictable. 

Even small steps count. Every breath, every walk, every page of a book, every plant nurtured, every supportive conversation they all matter!

To all the parents, carers, and guardians reading this: take a moment for yourself today, however that looks for you.

#ParentMentalHealthDay