A wellbeing support service for the parents and carers of children who experience anxiety around school attendance has received £1,000 from leading energy provider, Power NI.
Based in Strabane, the Anxiety Based School Avoidance (ASBA) peer support group has received the funding as part of Power NI’s long-running Brighter Communities initiative.
With support from Strive NI, ASBA was established in February 2025. A small grassroots charity run by parents for parents, it was launched in response to the number of children – especially neurodivergent pupils – who are struggling to attend school due to anxiety.
The group provides a safe and relaxed space where parents can meet others experiencing similar challenges and provides them with them a space to reduce feelings of isolation. Families also benefit from practical support – and information on services that may help.
Welcoming the £1,000 Brighter Communities donation, ABSA Parent Support Strabane representative Carol, said: “We are overwhelmed to receive this funding from Power NI.
“It will make a real difference to the wellbeing of parents and carers because the support group gives families a safe place to talk, share experiences, and learn from one another.
“This funding will enable ABSA to provide calming wellbeing activities and also practical resources that parents can use, both at our sessions and in the home,” continued Carol.
The funding from Power NI will support a range of wellbeing activities for parents and carers, including breathwork and guided meditation sessions, a wellness day with Tai Chi, reflexology and massage sessions on top of wellness packs for parents and children. The group will also use a percentage of the funds to create a small information library made up of books providing useful information on anxiety, burnout, autism, ADHD, and PDA.
Ashleigh O’Neill – the Senior Marketing and Communications Executive at Power NI – said: “It is wonderful to be able to support ABSA Parent Support Strabane with funding from our Brighter Communities programme and to play a small part in strengthening such an important local network.
“Their work makes a real difference within the community, supporting parents and carers who are going through incredibly difficult times at home. This funding will help families feel even more connected, reduce isolation, and build confidence by bringing people together to share experiences and support one another,” added Ashleigh.
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
