Stress Awareness Month

Taking Care of Yourself During Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on stress , how it affects us, and, most importantly how we can manage it better. If you’ve experienced child-to-parent abuse (CPA), you know that stress can feel overwhelming and constant. It’s so important to realise that you’re not alone, and there are ways to take care of yourself while navigating these experiences.

Understanding Stress and Child-to-Parent Abuse

Experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (CPA) can bring a mix of emotions—frustration, sadness, guilt and fear. It’s important to remind yourself that none of this is your fault. CPA is a complex issue, and Stress Awareness Month is a great opportunity to pause and focus on your wellbeing, and most importantly you. No matter what your situation is, you matter.

Small Ways to Reduce Stress

You don’t need to make massive changes. Sometimes, little things can make a big difference. Here are a few wellbeing techniques to help you manage stress or other emotions:

Breathing exercises – When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and breathe out for four seconds. Repeat a few times. It’s a simple way to calm your nervous system. There are many videos online which can provide support with this.

Mindful moments – Find small pockets of time to check in with yourself. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, listening to your favorite song, or just stepping outside for fresh air, these moments can help reset your mind. Remember, because you matter.

Movement – You don’t have to hit the gym, but moving your body in ways you enjoy walking, stretching, dancing in your kitchen,can all help release stress.

Stepping Back – This is important. It’s okay to step back. Stepping back isn't selfish, it's necessary for your wellbeing. Because you matter.

Reaching out – You don’t have to go through this alone. Talking to someone who understands, whether it’s a support group, a therapist, or a trusted friend, can make a world of difference. Only if this is safe to do so.

Finding Support and Being Kind to Yourself

Stress Awareness Month’s theme this year is #LeadWithLove, which is all about showing kindness to yourself and others. That includes giving yourself permission to rest, recognizing your own strength, and letting go of any guilt you may be carrying.

Stress is a natural response to situations and experiences, but it doesn’t have to take over. By taking small steps toward selfcare and reaching out for support when you need it, you can begin to manage stress in a healthier way, or a way that suits you. This Stress Awareness Month, let’s focus on self-compassion, breathing through the moments, and reminding ourselves that we are not alone. Because, you matter

The Stress Management Society provide some fantastic online resources which could come in handy, for more information please visit: https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2025/

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Allen Lane Foundation Supports New Workshop Lead Role to Expand Support for Parents

By PEGS Admin • March 18, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that the Allen Lane Foundation has generously funded a new Workshop Lead role to coordinate and deliver online workshops for parents and carers affected by Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) over the next 12 months. Parents and carers affected by CPA are often isolated, unsupported, and unsure where to turn. Our 2024 survey shows that 96% of parents feel isolated, 94% stressed, 92% scared, and 100% report an impact on emotional wellbeing. Over 70% have had to reduce or leave work. With demand for support rising to over 450 referrals per month and a 116% increase in November 2025 there is an urgent need for structured, accessible help. Expanding Online Workshops and 1:1 Support The new Workshop Lead will deliver a weekly online workshop for up to 15 participants, covering practical and emotional wellbeing topics such as stress management, goal-setting, and specialist techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Alongside the weekly sessions, the project will also run: Bi-monthly two-part specialist workshops Monthly wellbeing workshops By taking the lead on workshop delivery, the Workshop Lead will free up our practitioner team to provide more personalised one-to-one support to high-risk parents, reaching an additional estimated 50 parents in need. Over 12 months, we anticipate that over 200 parents will benefit directly from group workshops, gaining tools to manage risk, improve emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and build confidence. The workshops will also create a safe space for peer connection, helping to reduce isolation and foster resilience. Measuring Impact We will track success through attendance figures, participant feedback, and pre- and post-workshop surveys to capture changes in confidence, coping strategies, and wellbeing. Practitioners will also monitor the effect of increased one-to-one support to ensure parents feel safer, supported, and better able to manage their situation. Michelle John, our founding director, says: "Allen Lane Foundation’s continued support enables us to reach more parents and provide the practical guidance and personal support they urgently need. This Workshop Lead role will make a real difference, helping parents feel safer, more confident, and connected, while allowing our practitioners to provide targeted one-to-one support where it’s needed most." We are incredibly grateful to the Allen Lane Foundation for their ongoing belief in our work. This funding allows us to expand our online support, reach more parents, and provide both group and personalised assistance for those affected by CPA.