What is a parent champion?
Parent champions are parents or carers who use their own experiences to help other families feel more confident about accessing childcare and local support services.
They offer friendly, informal support by sharing information and encouraging other parents to access services such as children’s centres and family hubs.
You don’t need to be an expert – just someone who is happy to share information and help point other parents in the right direction.
This is a flexible and rewarding volunteering role that fits around your life.
There are no set hours – you can get involved as much or as little as you like. Whether it’s a quick chat at the school gates or helping out at a local group, every contribution makes a difference.
You’ll receive:
- two mornings of initial training to get you started
- mileage reimbursement for travel outside your local area
- access to further training opportunities if you’d like to build your skills
- ongoing support from two dedicated parent champion coordinators
- a chance to be part of a supportive parent champion community
What you’ll do
As a parent champion, you might:
- encourage parents to use the Family Information Directory to find the information they need
- share information about childcare, funding, and local services
- encourage parents to support their child’s learning at home (for example by sharing the EasyPeasy app)
- promote the benefits of early education and play
- encourage families to attend their local children’s centre or family hub
- signpost families to helpful services and organisations
- talk to friends, family, colleagues, or other parents in your community
- support at local groups, events, libraries, or children’s centres
- help at Stay and Play sessions or support crèches during parenting courses
Your role can be as simple as a quick conversation at the school gates, or more involved, such as volunteering regularly at groups or community events.
Why become a parent champion?
This role is a great opportunity to:
- help other families feel supported and informed
- promote local children’s centres and family hubs
- build confidence and communication skills
- gain experience that can support a return to work or a new career
- meet new people and be part of your community
How to become a parent champion
If you enjoy helping others and want flexible volunteering that builds your skills, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more, please email fyis@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.