Tyne and Wear parents experiencing abuse from their children are set receive support thanks to a trust set up in memory of a regional philanthropist.

The Sir James Knott Trust, which works to support charities in the area in honour of the shipping line and coal mine owner, has granted £10,000 to social enterprise PEGS. The money will be used to fund a specialist part-time Child to Parent Abuse Practitioner who can deliver free one-to-one support to those affected by CPA.

This often-hidden form of domestic abuse is thought to impact up to one in ten families, meaning many thousands of Tyne and Wear households could be experiencing behaviours including physical, verbal, financial and digital abuse. Alongside providing professional training and raising awareness, PEGS supports any affected parent, including those whose child is aged over 18.

Those considered high-risk after an initial assessment will be offered tailored support, working with the practitioner to create comprehensive safety plans and implement practical tools and techniques to manage behaviours within the home. The practitioner will also be able to advocate for parents at multi-agency meetings where appropriate, and will provide much-needed emotional support too.

Any parent referred to PEGS is also able to access their private Facebook peer group, daily virtual sessions and bespoke workshops.

Founding Director Michelle John said: “We are very grateful to receive this funding from the Sir James Knott Trust, to enable us to provide this specialised one-to-one support for parents most in need. Our referral numbers are increasing year-on-year, and we know there are many parents out there who really need the kind of support our practitioner will now be able to provide to those at the highest level of risk within Tyne and Wear.

“Some parents find it incredibly difficult to find support, leading to increased feelings of isolation – and sometimes even guilt and blame if they do reach out and find themselves not listened to or believed. It’s fundamental that we hear the voices of those experiencing this often hidden form of abuse, and this grant will help us do exactly that.”

“Sir James Knott Trust is pleased to support PEGS to help parents affected by child-to-parent abuse. This is a hidden issue that can leave families feeling isolated and without support. Through this funding we aim to help PEGS reach more families and bring understanding and hope where it is most needed.” - Jo Curry MBE - Jo Curry, MBE, Trust Secretary

Visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search PEGS Support on social media to find out more about the social enterprise. Or for more information about the Sir James Knott Trust, visit www.knott-trust.co.uk.