Angus Parent Peer Support - APPS

Angus Parent Peer Support - APPS Peer support group for parents/carers of young people with mental health conditions/school avoidance

Today we met and, as well as having the most delicious cakes, we talked openly about a lot of issues affecting us parent...
20/09/2025

Today we met and, as well as having the most delicious cakes, we talked openly about a lot of issues affecting us parents, with teenagers, who are unable to attend school. We don't have to explain in great detail because we just 'get it'. This group is about feeling seen and understood.

We as a group reflected on our own experiences, which shape our lives and our children. We talked a lot about living in the present moment and not getting too caught up in the 'what-ifs'. So easy to do that, think the worst, but we celebrate the absolute brilliance that our children bring. We also had a really good laugh!! It's an extremely positive meeting, where advice is shared, and we are all learning from each other! If you can't be swayed to join by that, then there is always the cakes.....

"Back to school tomorrow 🥳"How many times have you read this today and your heart just sinks because back to school, for...
18/08/2025

"Back to school tomorrow 🥳"

How many times have you read this today and your heart just sinks because back to school, for you, isn't a celebration.

I started this group because, as a working mum, I used to have to drop my child off at secondary school, in floods of tears (and that was after a battle to get there in the first place). I was already exhausted and overwhelmed and that was before my shift at work began. Then, I'd receive countless messages during the day from my child, pleading with me to help them. They felt sick. They had a headache, they had a million reasons for just wanting out of there. They don't know why, they just know that this place is making them feel disregulated. They are facing burnout. Meanwhile, I'd be receiving these messages and feeling helpless. It was a continuous cycle and it isn't sustainable, neither for me or my child.
The trouble is, societal norms and the lack of support will continue piling on the overwhelm, even when your child may not be attending regularly, if at all. This group is a place where we get it. A place you will feel seen - we can't remove any of the barriers to education, but we do try. We are a proactive and passionate group about these matters, but mostly, we just are there for each other when it can feel like no one else is.

This is open to any parent/carer of secondary school aged child, who is struggling to attend school, for whatever reason.

We meet this Saturday and fortnightly thereafter. 10.30am Round 0 Five O building, 16 Barbers Croft, Arbroath

So, our schools are going back in just over a weeks time. Your teenager is perhaps already feeling that anxiety. Or you ...
08/08/2025

So, our schools are going back in just over a weeks time. Your teenager is perhaps already feeling that anxiety. Or you as a parent/carer are growing apprehensive because you know what's coming.
This is a group of parents/carers of children attending Secondary school who have a mental health condition and/or emotional based school avoidance. It's a positive and proactive group and we welcome you along.

It is a small group but already proving to be a valuable resource. A place to share, learn from each other and feel validated and heard.

We meet fortnightly in Arbroath. Arbroath Round O Five O building. Please feel free to message the page if you would like more information about coming along.

Are you a parent/carer of a child attending Secondary school, who has a mental health condition and/or emotional based s...
07/02/2025

Are you a parent/carer of a child attending Secondary school, who has a mental health condition and/or emotional based school avoidance? We are parents just like you who have a created a support network. It's a positive and proactive group and ultimately we are looking to improve the lives of all concerned.

It is a small group but already proving to be a valuable resource. A place to share, learn from each other and feel validated and heard.

We meet tomorrow at 10.30am in the Arbroath Round O Five O 16 Barber's Croft, Arbroath.

Despite the challenges we have faced individually. Together we are stronger 💪  We are a very positive and proactive grou...
26/01/2025

Despite the challenges we have faced individually. Together we are stronger 💪 We are a very positive and proactive group and that was the message since day one.

As well as meeting fortnightly to support parents, we are now excited to have fortnightly/monthly outdoor learning opportunities for the youngsters and families with Angus Outdoor Learning and Angus Climate Hub
The intention was always to provide learning opportunities, tailored to the needs of the children. Opportunities to learn new skills, develop confidence and reduce feelings of social anxiety. Allowing the children to be themselves, whilst engaging with our community. We will bring nature inspired creativity, curiousity, environmental awareness and community connection.

"Being heard and understood is one of the greatest desires of the human heart" and to be able to make a positive change to the lives of our youngsters - it's a big step in the right direction 🌿

Tomorrow we will welcome new members to the group, but also discuss  plans for future activities in 2025.  If you have a...
24/01/2025

Tomorrow we will welcome new members to the group, but also discuss plans for future activities in 2025. If you have a child, in Secondary school, who has challenges attending school and/or social anxiety, please get in touch. We meet fortnightly starting tomorrow at 10.30am. The kettle will be on, albeit not around the fire but rather in the Arbroath Round O Five O 16 Barber's Croft, Arbroath.

We know that the percentage of children unable to attend secondary school is extremely high, so not everyone returned to...
10/01/2025

We know that the percentage of children unable to attend secondary school is extremely high, so not everyone returned to school this week and our 2025, New Year, New You goals look very different.
If your teenager is unable to attend secondary school (for whatever reason) or attends part time or even faces mental health challenges, we are a group of parents/carers that gather together each fortnight to offer support.

We are a very proactive group, we liaise with the ASN services and local councillors in Angus. We have a steering group set up and are in the process of forming as a charity. We listen and support one another, but we are a positive group and are here for the change! We have a plans to implement changes to the way education and experiences are offered to growing number of youths who are struggling today.

Some of this work, such as developing skillset, confidence and reconnection is funded by Angus Climate Hub and we have some very exciting opportunities ahead.

If you want to know more, or attend in person. We are running tomorrow at 10.30am. Arbroath Round O Five O building, 16 Barber's Croft, Arbroath. And thereafter every fortnight.

The photo was to represent that being different does add colour to the world. This photo was taken yesterday at Keptie Pond by myself 🦆

This group has been running since February. A lot of us felt at crisis point back then, and last night, as we gathered t...
08/12/2024

This group has been running since February. A lot of us felt at crisis point back then, and last night, as we gathered to share food and drinks (our 🎄Christmas night out) we took a moment to acknowledge that our lives have been so incredibly enhanced by this group.
We no longer feel in crisis, our children are so much more settled and secure, due to us feeling supported. It is a rare thing to be amongst people that you dont need to explain yourself to.

We are a warm and welcoming group and the door is always open. Our next meeting is Saturday 14th December at 10.30 in Arbroath. Please feel free to message for further information

30/11/2024

Unfortunately due to a combination of circumstances, there will be no meet up tomorrow.

Our next meeting will take place on Saturday 14th December.

We have been asked to share this with our followers. This event is not just for parents and carers of young people with ...
20/11/2024

We have been asked to share this with our followers. This event is not just for parents and carers of young people with a diagnosis- everyone is welcome to attend.

Personally, I'd like to hear more about thriving
28/08/2024

Personally, I'd like to hear more about thriving

Last week we met in the woods, both teenagers and parents, for some quality time in nature.    Lots of food around the c...
09/08/2024

Last week we met in the woods, both teenagers and parents, for some quality time in nature. Lots of food around the campfire, time to connect, to have some fun and games.
As a group of likeminded parents, who experience similar issues, we support one another extremely well, but we are also a hugely proactive group who are looking to create community and change! In the short time that we have been established, we have connected with local council, education system, and now we hope to regularly host activities for our younger generation too.

If you have a teenager who struggles to attend secondary school for whatever reason, please feel free to get in touch, or better come along to our fortnightly meetings.

Next one is tomorrow, Saturday 10th August, at 10.30am in Arbroath Round O Five O 16 Barber's Croft, Arbroath.

This outdoors session was made possible, thanks to the group members, Angus Outdoor Learning and Angus Climate Hub 🌿

Address

16 Barber's Croft
Arbroath

Website

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