FII Awareness Week
In 2022 Sunshine Support started the very first FII Awareness Week with the intention of shining light on the ongoing injustices and false accusations of Fabricated or Induced Illness.
After conducting some independent research our results showed us the 37% of accusations started at school. It's vital that awareness and education is improved in this area. 2023's awareness week focused on this. In 2024 we focused on the Dad's voice, which is so often missed and invited schools all over the UK to join us.
Our intention is not to blame or shame but to support those with their education and, in turn, to improve practice within schools, health and social care.
FII Awareness Week 2025 will take place 5th - 9th May 2025.
Events to Inform, Education and Empower YOU
FII Awareness Week 2025 takes place 5th - 9th May
We have an update from Cathie Long and Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott on 6th May by way of a Facebook and YouTube livestream (free to watch), and will be sharing resources all week.
Look out on our social media pages for update.
Tuesday 6th May | 9:30am
To launch FII Awareness Week 2025, Kelly Jarvis, Head of Consultancy at Sunshine Support, hosts a powerful livestream conversation with Cathie Long and Dr. Fiona Gullon-Scott. Together, they explore what Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) truly is—and importantly, what it isn’t.
They’ll share up-to-date insights from current research and practice, offering clarity and dispelling common myths.
This session is a must-watch for anyone supporting children and families or those who are finding themselves accused of FII (or at risk of), and will be streamed free on YouTube and Facebook.
FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
Chrissa Wadlow, Founder of Sunshine Support, and Jess Ward, Head of Pre-Litigation, unpack the often misunderstood topic of school ‘refusal’. They explore how emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) is frequently misinterpreted—sometimes leading to devastating allegations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) against families simply trying to access support.
Drawing from real advocacy experience, Chrissa and Jess offer clear, compassionate insight into the systemic issues at play and how to better support children in distress. Essential viewing for FII Awareness Week.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
In this thought-provoking session, Kelly Jarvis and Gabby Gregory—highly specialist educators at Sunshine Support—explore how safeguarding procedures in schools can sometimes lead to unintended harm.
They confront the difficult reality that many false allegations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) begin in education, often due to misunderstood behaviours or strict policy interpretation. With empathy and insight, they encourage reflection and offer practical guidance to help educators navigate these grey areas more safely and confidently.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
In this essential session, neuro-affirming specialist and independent social worker Rachel Gavin explores the purpose and process of social care assessments—what they should include, how they should be conducted, and what families can expect.
With a strong focus on working with neurodivergent children and their families, Rachel offers practical guidance on what good practice looks like, as well as advice on what to do if things go wrong. Compassionate, clear, and empowering, this course is a must for families and professionals navigating the social care system.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
In this deeply moving and insightful session, psychotherapist Chdel Cooke draws on both professional expertise and lived experience to explore the profound mental health impact of being falsely accused of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII).
She unpacks the trauma these accusations can cause, the emotional toll on families, and the long road to recovery. With compassion and clarity, Chdel offers strategies for healing and support, helping individuals and professionals alike understand the human cost—and how to move forward. A vital webinar for parents, carers and practitioners alike.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
In this insightful session, specialist speech and language therapist Dawn Tomlin shines a light on the unique way Gestalt Language Processors develop communication—and how this can be easily misunderstood by those unfamiliar with it.
She explores how differences in language development, scripting, and delayed expressive language can raise red flags for professionals unaware of Gestalt processing, sometimes leading to false accusations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII). This course is essential for anyone supporting neurodivergent children, offering clarity, compassion, and practical understanding.
SIGN UP
All the courses above are available on the Sunshine Academy,
the brilliant online learning platform by Sunshine Support.
To ensure we keep cost low there are no individual ticket fees; sign up to the Sunshine Academy from £10.99 to watch ALL the top webinars from FII Awareness Week (and hundreds more!)
(Terms and Conditions apply, the £10.99 payment is the first month's cost for the Sunshine Academy membership for parents and the monthly cost for teachers is £19.99; monthly subscription that can be cancelled at any time)
Cuppa&Chat Support
We know FII Awareness Week can be a very emotional time where we each need to connect to gain support, that's where our Cuppa&Chat comes in...
FII Impact Film
A film that aims to improve awareness of the trauma and devastation experienced by families who are accused of 'making up' or 'exaggerating' their child's difficulties.
A hard-hitting, emotional film that we self-funded and produced. Please share to help us improve awareness.
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