The 11^th of September marked the opening day for our new Shrewsbury office. Professionals across different areas of the domestic abuse sector attended, as well as members of staff from both our Shrewsbury and Derbyshire offices.

The event was a great success and hugely beneficial for us in regards to creating new networks, and strengthening our pre-existing ones with long-term friends of PEGS.

We were privileged to have the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn, officially open our office at the beginning of the event. Mandy spoke highly of PEGS and what Michelle and the team have achieved, which everyone was greatly appreciative of.

After that, there was an opportunity for people to get to know each other, with members of the PEGS team speaking to professionals about our specific roles, and getting an interesting insight into what they do within their organisations.

Comments from those in attendance show just how much support PEGS has across the sector:

“It was a pleasure to attend PEGS new office opening, celebrating the teams’ achievements in raising awareness about CPA, influencing policy, and supporting over 3000 parents & guardians. The event brought together professionals both locally and nationally and gave us all an opportunity to connect and understand more about each other’s roles. Working with PEGS has ensured I include Child to Parent Abuse (including adult children) in training, policies & resources for those affected.”

Carrie Bower Founder of knowyourplace.uk & Third Sector Domestic Abuse Lead

“It was wonderful to be able to help celebrate Michelle and her incredible team with their new office opening. As a Service Manager for a DA refuge and spearheading another CIC to support people to set up their own business after fleeing DA I know that the work that the PEGS team are doing is absolutely vital.” (Gemma Roberts - Service Manager, Safenet Domestic Abuse Services and Fly Anyway Foundation)

"It was an absolute joy to attend the Opening of PEGS new office in Shrewsbury. As well as some wonderful networking opportunities with like-minded and equally passionate professionals, I never grow tired of how Michelle, Ellie and the rest of the team have gone about tackling this still sometimes taboo subject matter. The knowledge base of the team is outstanding, the tenacity and empathy of dealing with people in difficult situations second to none. The amazing thing was to hear someone speak to me about the support PEGS had given them after seeing the post on LinkedIn ( in a completely unrelated meeting in another part of the Midlands). The need is great, however the solutions are greater and evermore accessible , In Michelle's own words ( and I love this quote) From the Pain comes the Power!!" In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Michelle and her team at PEGS are certainly doing that."

Clive Thomas, Partnership Co-ordinator, Serco

Along with Carrie, Gemma and Clive, we also had representatives of Manchester City Council, Cranstoun, ISEV, Shropshire Community Foundation, DWP and Zomma.

A word from Michelle about the event:

“It was fantastic to see support for PEGS from local, regional and national organisations. This is testament to the whole team and their dedication to supporting those impacted by CPA. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who made the event such a success.”

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the event, with people taking the time out of their day to travel from different parts of the country. We hope everyone found it as useful and beneficial as we did and hope to see you all again soon!