I've learned how to get my terrified girl back to school

A MUM whose daughter was left so crippled with anxiety that she couldn't go to school has backed a new national campaign aimed at tackling non-attendance.

- BY DAN VEVERS

Nicole Brown, from Kirkcaldy, has told how daughter Abi, now 17, struggled for years with her mental health.

At its worst, Abi didn’t want to leave the house at all and at school, would often hide in the toilets instead of going to her classes. But after the family sought support, Abi turned things around and is now thriving - and wants to go to university to become a mental health nurse.

The pair are urging parents to take advantage of Parent Club, a Scottish Government-backed initiative to provide information and advice to parents and carers struggling with children who are reluctant to go to school.

Nicole says families shouldn't feel they have to struggle alone.