Support organisations for children

Harriet Ernstsons-Evans • January 19, 2022

PEGS is a social enterprise set up to support parents, carers and guardians who are impacted by Child to Parent Abuse. We know from lived experience that there is a real gap in provision when it comes to supporting the adults whose lives are impacted by this type of abuse – and that’s why our aim when it comes to delivering services, and training professionals, is to focus on those experiencing these abusive or violent behaviours.


We have been asked: ‘But what about the children?’


We absolutely recognise the need for specialist input when it comes to exploring why a child may be displaying this type of behaviour, and working with them to resolve any underlying issues as well as developing coping techniques and new communication methods.


But firstly, there are wonderful services out there already providing this type of input (many of whom we work alongside so that they support the child while we concentrate on the parent). And secondly, our area of expertise is the parent, so we want to channel all of our experience and knowledge into them.


If you’re looking for a support service for your child, then we’ve put together a list of just some of the wonderful organisations out there working hard to support young people. It’s also worth asking your social care team, child’s school, or other services you’re already engaged with as they may be aware of some additional services local to you.


Barnardo’s | Supporting vulnerable children, including those who have experienced abuse, and preparing young people for adulthood.


Childline | A free confidential phone line and email service for children under 19, to talk about any issue which is troubling them | Call 0800 1111.


Hope Again | Peer-led support for young people experiencing bereavement.


The Mix | Information and support on a range of issues for those aged up to 25 | Text THEMIX to 85258 in a crisis. 


NSPCC | A phone line for adults to discuss any concerns they have about a child (under 18s should call Childline) | Call 0808 800 5000.


OKRehab | Guidance and support on substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems | 0800 326 5559.


Papyrus | Focused on the prevention of suicide among young people aged under 35 | Call the Hopeline on 0800 068 4141.


Runaway Helpline | For those who are thinking of leaving home, or who already have | Text 116 000.


Talk to Frank | Honest information about drugs | Text 82111.


Winston’s Wish | Charity which supports children after the death of a parent or sibling | Call 08088 020 021 for information about how they can help.


Young Minds | Supporting children and young people with their mental health.


In an emergency, always call 999. Or if there’s a non-emergency situation which requires police input, call 101.



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!
By PEGS Admin June 10, 2026
A day in the life of a Volunteer Programme Lead and Training Facilitator at PEGS!
By PEGS Admin June 4, 2026
Carrie's Parachute Plunge for PEGS!