Can't go, won't go

Can't Go Won't Go was originally set up by two Mums – Fran & Andrea – who both experienced school refusal. We found it frightening, stressful and isolating.

 

In some cases schools and education authorities have little previous experience or a limited understanding of the problem and how best to to help affected families, whilst the mental health organisations that are set up to help are often over-stretched. We hope that by raising awareness and sharing examples of good practice we can help make this situation better.

There are many reasons why some children struggle with school. It is often anxiety-related, may or may not have a root cause such as bullying, and may be triggered by the transition from years 6 to 7, or possibly during exams. Whatever the reason, parents of school refusers are united in the same problem: they have a child who cannot 'do' school and they often struggle to find understanding and practical support.

 

There are no easy solutions, but we found it helpful to realise that we were not alone, had done nothing wrong, and that help is available if you know how to find it.

 

Our long term goal is to raise awareness of school refusal, to see those children at risk of becoming school refusers identified much earlier, and to make help much more accessible to the families affected by school refusal.

 

After several years of running this group ourselves, we can now be reached via Surrey's parent carer forum, Family Voice Surrey.