Event details

 

Wellbeing & Engagement Event for Children, Young People and Families who experience Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)

Saturday 26 September 2026 at Elysian in Shamley Green

 

Family Voice Surrey has teamed up with Elysian to offer a free, relaxed and welcoming event at Elysian’s farm in Shamley Green. This event is for children and young people who experience school-based anxiety and difficulties with school attendance (often called Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance or EBSNA).

 

 

The event has been specifically designed with children and young people in mind who find school difficult because of anxiety or other emotional barriers to attending.

 

We understand that school-based anxiety can have a big impact on children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health. We also know that it can be incredibly difficult and isolating for parents and carers.

 

Our aim is to provide a safe, calm and supportive space where families can:

  • Spend time together without pressure.
  • Meet and interact with animals.
  • Take part in activities at their own pace.
  • Meet other families who understand similar experiences.
  • Enjoy being outdoors in a relaxed environment.

 

A calm and low-pressure event

We know that busy events and unfamiliar places can sometimes feel overwhelming. For this reason, we are keeping the event small and relaxed. There is also limited parking and space at the farm, so we need to keep numbers within suitable limits.

 

You and your child do not have to take part in everything.

If your child feels unable to join the group tour, they can stay in the Log Cabin or gazebo area and enjoy the activities there. They can join in as much or as little as feels comfortable.

 

There is no pressure to participate.

 

Choose one session

To allow us to welcome as many families as possible, while keeping the event calm, the same session will run three times during the day.

 

Please book onto ONE session only.

Please arrive for your booked session and leave promptly at the end of your two-hour slot. This will allow the next group of families to arrive without the farm becoming too busy.

 

What will happen?

Each session will include:

  • A friendly welcome, registration and information about the session.
  • A guided tour of the farm animals.
  • Opportunities to meet, feed and interact with different animals.
  • A relaxed Log Cabin and gazebo area.
  • Small animals, games, colouring and animal fact sheets.
  • Time and space for families to sit, chat and enjoy the surroundings.
  • The option to take part in activities at your own pace.
  • Complimentary light refreshments.

 

How many people will be there?

Each session will be divided into three smaller groups, with a maximum of 20 children in each group.

 

Booking information

You need to book ONE ticket for each child or young person attending.

Each child can attend with one adult.

We understand that sometimes a child may need two adults with them. If this applies to your family, please email: contact@familyvoicesurrey.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

 

What about siblings?

The event is primarily for children and young people who experience anxiety around school and school attendance.

However, we understand that this is a weekend event and that siblings may need to come too and we will be happy to offer any spare spaces to siblings.

Please email us at contact@familyvoicesurrey.org and we will do our best to help.

 

We don’t want additional needs or family circumstances to make the event inaccessible, and we will do what we can to support you.

 

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be available for adults.

There will also be snacks and drinks for children and young people.

 

After you book

Once you have booked, we will send you more detailed information about:

  • What to expect on the day.
  • Directions to the farm.
  • Parking.
  • What to bring.
  • Frequently asked questions.
  • Information to help you and your child feel prepared before you arrive.

We hope this will help families know what to expect and make the day feel as comfortable and predictable as possible.

 

We look forward to seeing you

We are really looking forward to welcoming you and your family to

Elysian on Saturday 26 September 2026.

 

We hope this will be a lovely opportunity for children, young people and families to relax, enjoy the animals and meet others who understand.

 

26 September 2026
26 September 2026
Family Voice Surrey
01372705708
contact@familyvoicesurrey.org
www.familyvoicesurrey.org