Changing the story locally

Changing the story locally.

On Friday 8th December PEGS hosted a virtual White Ribbon event for professionals alongside other organisations who provide Domestic Abuse services in Shropshire. The event set out to highlight the current service provision in Shropshire, providing a deeper insight into how and where to refer victims of domestic abuse for specialist support.

As the Founding Director of PEGS, Michelle John opened the event and spoke about the importance of working together collaboratively to change the story locally, before providing an overview of our current services in Shropshire and new offerings for 2024.

Kate Anniston and Helen Richardson from West Mercia Women's Aid also discussed the importance of partnership working locally and regionally. They explained their IDVA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate) services including their provisions for 13-19-year-olds, the prevention work they are carrying out, and their Inclusion IDVA who is working in various communities to help overcome the barriers some victims face in accessing support.

Andrea Williams joined us from Cranstoun and shared information on how they are working alongside perpetrators to improve the lives of victims and discussed their Men and Masculinities Programme. Again, the importance of having a collaborative and multi-agency approach to tackling domestic abuse was referred to.

Nicola Wilkinson from Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS), shared how they are making it easier for people in rural areas to get the support they need and spoke about their single point of entry drop-in service. They gave an update on their safe accommodation and refuges that now include a space dedicated to accommodating women who are experiencing multiple disadvantages and explained about their children and young peoples service and peer support.

Wendy Bulman from Shropshire Council spoke not only of the statutory responsibilities of the local authority but also of the moral reasons to do more than that across Shropshire as part of making a difference to all victims, whilst also holding perpetrators to account. She referred to their recent Safer Streets Campaign and also stressed the importance of everyone working together to continue to change the story locally.

It was fantastic to be able to bring multiple services together in a shared online space, not only to provide professionals with an overview of service provision and referral pathways but to also harness the passion and determination that exists in the region to create lasting change for victims of domestic abuse.

You can access the recording of the virtual event here

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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.