Parent Support for Environmental and Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EEBSA)
“We wouldn’t found any of the support that we have accessed so far without Nessie and at the moment it feels as though you are the only people who actually ‘get’ our, and our daughter’s problems.”
– Parent
Nessie provides support for schools, children, young people, and families experiencing difficulties with school attendance due to emotional or environmental barriers.
How referrals work
- Referrals must come directly from your child’s school. Parents can enquire, but support can only be arranged through the school.
- Self‑funding is still an option – If you’re seeking help for EEBSA, please speak to your school first.
Why schools refer
We work closely with schools to make sure the right support is already in place. This joined‑up approach gives your child the best chance of success.
Is my school eligible?
If your child struggles to attend due to emotional or environmental reasons, your school can check eligibility.
What happens next?
After your school books an audit, we visit, work with staff, provide training, run groups, and offer consultations. With your consent, the school can then refer your child for 1:1 support.
What Nessie offers
• Support for schools to review and strengthen their strategies
• Guidance for parents
• 1:1 or group support for children when needed
Families are involved throughout the process.
What you can do now
Meet the EEBSA Team!
Other Peterborough Specific Support Services:
- Childline – if you’re under 19, you can call 0800 1111 to talk to the helpline between 7:30am and 3:30am every day. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
- Centre33 – Support for emotional and practical needs. Text/WhatsApp: 07514 783745
- SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) – Phone: 0300 365 1020
- IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) – Helpline: 0300 222 5899 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30am-2:30pm)
- Integrated Neighbourhoods – This is an NHS healthcare service model (part of local Integrated Care Systems). Access is typically through your GP or healthcare professional rather than direct contact.
- Papyrus – Tel: 0800 0684141 Text: 0778 6209697 Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org, 10am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends and bank holidays.
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 to talk or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
- YOUnited – provides emotional wellbeing and mental health help for children and young people aged 0 to 25 registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Pinpoint – help and information to parent carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs and disabilities, and give parent carers opportunities to have a say and get involved in improving local services.
- The Kite Trust – supports the wellbeing and creativity of LGBTQ+ young people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and surrounding areas through information, support and groups.
- Education Inclusion Family Advisors – offer parents an opportunity to ask for information, advice and support on any issue affecting family lives in a relaxed and confidential environment. Ask your childrens school for the contact details of their EIFA.
- Family Voice – for Parents and Carers of children and young people aged 0—25 years with a disability or additional needs.
- PED Support – Nurse-led specialist eating disorder charity based in Peterborough, supporting individuals in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, click below:
Race & Equality
Nessie welcomes diversity. We value difference and are proud to support those from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, of different genders, sexual orientations, ages, religions and disabilities. We acknowledge experiences of racialised individuals and are neurodiverse affirmative.