Michelle John founded PEGS in 2020 and has helped thousands of parents across the UK while driving national awareness of a little-understood issue

A PEMBROKESHIRE-born campaigner who has dedicated her career to supporting families affected by child-to-parent abuse has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Michelle John, who grew up in Pembrokeshire and now lives in Shropshire, has been awarded an MBE for services to family support and advocacy.

Michelle is the founder of PEGS, a social enterprise established in 2020 to help parents and carers experiencing abusive behaviour from their children. The organisation also works with professionals, policymakers and employers to improve understanding of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), an issue believed to affect up to one in ten households across the UK.

Since launching PEGS, Michelle has built a specialist team that has trained police officers, teachers, social workers and other frontline professionals to recognise the signs of CPA and provide effective support to affected families.

The organisation has also developed a range of services for parents, including daily practitioner-led support sessions, peer support networks and one-to-one assistance for those considered most at risk.

Michelle’s work has gained national recognition, with PEGS helping to shape policy discussions and working alongside government departments to raise awareness of the issue. The organisation also launched a Child to Parent Abuse Covenant for employers in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

In addition, Michelle has advised organisations including the Home Office, the BBC and Channel 4, helping inform storylines and coverage designed to increase public understanding of child-to-parent abuse.

Responding to the honour, Michelle said: “This honour is also shared with the parents who have trusted me along the way: they drive me, inspire me and I will always stand with them.

“I feel proud, privileged and very grateful – and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and PEGS along the way.

“There is much more to come for PEGS, and we will continue to work every day for the parents and carers who have been or continue to be affected by CPA.”

Reflecting on receiving the award, she added: “Being told I’d received an MBE will always remain a truly incredible moment that I’ll remember forever.”

The award recognises more than six years of campaigning, support work and advocacy aimed at bringing greater awareness to a problem that often remains hidden behind closed doors.

Child-to-parent abuse can include physical violence, verbal abuse, coercive control, intimidation, property damage and financial abuse directed towards parents or carers by their children.

Michelle’s work has helped shine a light on the issue nationally, ensuring that more families receive the support they need while encouraging professionals to better understand the challenges faced by those affected.

For many in Pembrokeshire, the honour will be a source of pride as one of the county’s own receives national recognition for helping vulnerable families across the UK.

Giant puppet procession marks 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod

LORD RHYS continued his journey through west Wales today, Sunday (Jun 21), as communities in Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn welcomed the giant puppet procession marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

The striking figure of Lord Rhys was seen crossing the historic bridge at Cenarth, surrounded by woodland, banners and crowds of onlookers.

Later, the procession continued into Newcastle Emlyn, where music and performance formed part of the travelling celebration.

The event is part of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys, a cultural journey commemorating the legacy of Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Welsh prince who held a gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

That gathering is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod and remains one of the most important moments in Welsh cultural history.

Photographs from today show the giant puppet towering above the streets and bridges of west Wales, creating another memorable scene after Friday’s misty launch in St Davids.

The journey will continue towards Cardigan, where the anniversary celebrations will reach their finale.

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).