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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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!