Supporting Parents Through Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding PEGS and Its Services

PEGS Admin • March 6, 2025

Supporting Parents Through Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding PEGS and Its Services

Parenting is often described as one of life’s most rewarding yet challenging journeys. But for some, the journey becomes incredibly complex when faced with child-to-parent abuse (CPA). It is a topic rarely spoken about, yet it is a reality for many families across the UK and further afield. At PEGS, we understand the emotional toll this takes on parents, carers, and guardians. That is why our mission is to offer support, guidance, and advocacy to those affected.


PEGS was founded in 2019 and went operational in March 2020 after recognising a significant gap in services for parents experiencing abusive behaviours from their children. Based in Shropshire, but available nationally through online services, PEGS is committed to providing support that is accessible, compassionate, and tailored to the needs of each family.


Unlike traditional family support services, PEGS focuses solely on the parental figure. We understand that addressing CPA requires a whole-family approach, but we believe in empowering parents to navigate these challenging circumstances with confidence. Our services include practitioner-led group sessions, advocacy, workshops, and peer support, ensuring that no parent has to face this journey alone. All of our services are free to access and parental figures can access support for as long as they need via peer support, daily practitioner led sessions, workshops and programmes.


At PEGS, we offer a structured yet flexible support system designed to meet parents where they are in their journey. Our core services include:


  • Daily Practitioner-Led Sessions: Held online, these sessions provide a safe, confidential space where parents can share experiences, gain advice, and receive emotional support.
  • Workshops & Programmes: Designed to build resilience and empower parents, our workshops cover key topics that help parents regain confidence and develop effective coping strategies.
  • Advocacy & Wellbeing Support: Whether it's providing letters to confirm engagement with our services or attending meetings alongside parents, we advocate on behalf of those experiencing CPA.
  • Peer Support Community: Our closed and monitored Facebook group offers parents a place to connect with others who understand their experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
  • One-to-One Support (Limited Availability): For those in funded areas, individualised support with a dedicated practitioner is available, offering tailored strategies and guidance.


Parental figures can self-refer to PEGS or be referred by a professional. Once a referral is received, our team conducts a triage process that may take up to 10 working days. Parents then receive an initial email outlining the services available and how to access them. If eligible for one-to-one support, they will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a practitioner is available. In the meantime, they can still access all other group-based services.


Experiencing CPA can evoke a wide range of emotions, from guilt and helplessness to isolation and frustration. Our 2022 survey revealed that:


  • 85% of parents felt isolated or alone
  • 74% felt blamed
  • 95% felt helpless
  • 76% felt scared


These feelings are completely natural, and at PEGS, we strive to provide a non-judgemental space where parents can be heard, supported, and empowered to move forward in a way that feels right for them.


If you are experiencing child-to-parent abuse, please know that support is available. PEGS is here to listen, guide, and empower you through your journey. While our service is not a crisis helpline, we can provide you with the tools and support needed to navigate these challenges.


You can download our free booklet below which explains more about us and our services  




Parental booklet
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.
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By PEGS Admin March 15, 2026
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