Schools includes CPA workshops in parent conference

Parents had the chance to learn about Child to Parent Abuse as part of a week-long event.

Severndale Academy held its first SEND Virtual Conference with multiple interactive workshops each day, including sessions led by PEGS.

Founding Director Michelle John said she was thrilled to be asked to join in the event at Severndale, and to share an insight into CPA with parents.

“It’s incredibly difficult for some parents to approach others for support if they are experiencing CPA - and some may not even realise the behaviours are abusive, as society generally expects parents to ‘just get on with it’ whatever the situation is with their children.

“So, it’s fantastic to see Severndale School including CPA within their conference, and enabling us to educate attendees about Child to Parent Abuse and where they can access support.

“I hope to see more schools taking this approach and equipping parents and teachers with the knowledge they need about CPA.”

The school’s Assistant Principals Lorna Matley and Michelle Hill added: “Parents were able to book onto up to seven interactive workshops per day. The workshops were delivered by a mixture of internal and external providers offering a range of practical and informative sessions including relaxation and yoga, understanding behaviours of concern, and Makaton simple signing.

“We were thrilled to be able to include workshops from PEGS, who offered support and awareness to our families who need it most.”

For more information about Severndale, one of the largest special schools in the country, visit www.severndaleschool.org.

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Founding Director, Michelle, has been awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours for Family Support and Advocacy.

By PEGS Admin • June 15, 2026

Child to Parent Abuse organisation founder awarded MBE The founder of a social enterprise which has supported thousands of parents impacted by abusive behaviours from their children has been awarded an MBE. Michelle John, originally from Pembrokeshire in Wales but now based in Shropshire, was among the names announced for the prestigious accolade in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year. In 2020, Michelle set up not-for-profit organisation PEGS with the aim of supporting parents and carers, training professionals, influencing local and national policy, and raising awareness of Child to Parent Abuse – which is thought to affect up to one in ten households in the UK. Since then, she has grown a team of experts who have trained police, social workers, teachers and many other professionals to better recognise the signs of CPA, support parents, and signpost to specialist organisations. In addition, Michelle set up a range of parent-focused initiatives including daily practitioner-led online sessions, a Facebook peer support group which now has 3,300 members, and one-to-one offerings for those at highest risk. PEGS launched a CPA Covenant for employers in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, only the fourth such covenant to be backed by the Government, and Michelle has advised everyone from the Home Office to Channel 4 and the BBC on CPA – the latter for storyline on Hollyoaks and EastEnders. Her work has seen CPA covered by journalists across television news programmes, national newspapers and magazine, and regional press and radio, and she’s received numerous awards both in the UK and internationally. Michelle, whose MBE was awarded for Family Support and Advocacy, said: “This honour is also shared with the parents who have trusted me along the way: they drive me, inspire me and I will always stand with them. “I feel proud, privileged and very grateful – and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and PEGS along the way. There is much more to come for PEGS, and we will continue to work every day for the parents and carers who have been or continue to be impacted by CPA. “There is so much to reflect on from the journey of the last six years, and there have been many highlights and challenges along the way. I am sure there will be many more in the future – although being told I’d received an MBE will always remain a truly incredible moment that I’ll remember forever!” For more information about us, visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search for 'PEGS' on social media!