The Parent Participation Project at Parentline NI recently brought together parents and professionals to explore the issue of School Avoidance in a collaborative and engaging way looking at how we can all work together to support children who are experiencing Emotionally based school avoidance.

After discussions with families who voiced concerns about this issue and the challenges parents and children face in accessing appropriate support, it was decided that a joint effort between parents and professionals would be beneficial for further exploration.

Engaging with parents from the Anxiety Based School Avoidance (ABSA) Peer Support Group was crucial. Their insights through lived experience and discussing what they have found supportive helped to shape the outline of the day.

Presenters included 3 parents with lived experience, an education welfare officer from the Education Authority sharing parent to school engagement, the vice principal of Blessed Trinity College sharing best practice, Strive Ni sharing support and strategies and Children in Northern Ireland’s Head of Policy sharing key insights in relation to lobbying government. Nine organisations including The Children’s Law Centre, Strive Ni, Eden Consultancy, Action For Children Family Support Hub, Education Authority, Parentline Ni, Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools, ABSA Peer Support Group and The Parent Participation Service hosted information stands around the room on the day.

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Outcomes

It was very much the tone of the day that this was a great starting point for further exploration and collaboration. Opportunities were provided for networking and delegates were seated in a way that provided for networking and further collaboration.

Since the event a number of parents and organisations have got in touch to be involved with the next event planned for Spring 2025.