Could you make a difference of a lifetime?

Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. However, this is not the case for all parents – at the moment, we are experiencing a huge demand for emotional support pre and post birth from mothers, fathers, and birthing people. Some parents are revisiting the trauma of what they experienced during Covid, others are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Peer support can be a lifeline for parents who are feeling vulnerable or anxious. Some friendly, informal, and free peer support can make the difference of a lifetime. Our peer supporters enable parents to keep well, feel supported, and to give their babies the best possible start in life.

To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for new Virtual Volunteers to support parents through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Volunteers:

• Enable pregnant women, expectant fathers, and birthing people, to keep well and feel supported through this major life transition
• Help parents to prepare for the birth and prepare for changes ahead
• Build parents’ confidence to cope well and get to know their baby

Download the Virtual Volunteer role description

Why should I volunteer?

Parents describe their peer supporter as “someone in their corner” who walks the journey with them. The experience of being a peer supporter can be very rewarding. Parents appreciate the unique reassurance that comes from someone who has lived experience and can develop a warm, informal relationship with them, nurturing their confidence and helping them to get to know their new baby. 

During your training and time supporting parents in Essex, you will get to know other peer supporters, learn new skills, make new friends, and build your confidence. The flexibility of virtual peer support means helps to fit your volunteering round your own family commitments.

Volunteering can be an amazing experience, and here at Parents 1^st we highly value the contribution that our volunteers give to the communities we serve. In return, we endeavour to give our volunteers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with full training and regular supervision sessions to ensure they’re prepared and feel supported themselves. We also offer you the opportunity to gain a Level 3 bespoke qualification.

Have a read of our ‘Volunteer Voices’ to be inspired about what it's like to be a volunteer.

How do I get involved?

• We’re running a 2-session virtual taster course this Autumn to allow potential volunteers to find out more before making a commitment.  The taster course will help you to decide if becoming a virtual peer supporter is right for you. Book a space
• Can't make the taster courses? Complete our expression of interest form and a member of staff will get in contact to chat through next steps!

The taster course is a great way to find out more about Parents 1^st and other volunteering opportunities.

During the 2 x 2 hour sessions you’ll learn more about what peer support is and how it helps during pregnancy, birth & beyond, the essential skills and qualities a peer supporter needs, the role and responsibilities of a virtual peer supporter and the training and supervision needed. All sessions will be held online, via Zoom.

By the end of the taster course you’ll have all the information necessary to decide if you want to support parents and continue with the full training.

If you’d like an informal chat with our volunteer trainer, Zoe Jarvis, please feel free to give her a call on 07968 059102 or email [email protected]

What does the full training involve?

Volunteer training starts by attending a taster course. Book a place on our Autumn taster sessions

If continuing on to the introductory training is your next step, you will need to attend the following:

• A half day in person session
• 6 x 2.5 hr online sessions

Along with covering important topics such as safeguarding, peer support boundaries and communication and listening skills, you will also have dedicated sessions on health and wellbeing, preparing for labour and birth and after birth.

By the end of the introductory training you will be ready to start offering 1:1 virtual support to mums, birthing people, dads and partners. Our approach is friendly and relaxed so that you enjoy the experience whilst also building your knowledge and skills. You will also be offered ongoing support and training. Most of all we want to equip you to be a confident volunteer.

How much time do I need to commit?

The peer support you would provide is flexible to suit the needs of individual parents e.g., 1-2 hours every week, by phone, text, WhatsApp, or Zoom, at a mutually convenient time, including evenings and weekends.

Once you start volunteering you will also need to give a little time for one-to-one support from our staff team (usually 1 hour every 2 months) as well as some ongoing training. These help you to build your skills and to feel confident to carry out the role.

Can I get a qualification?

Yes, if you would like to. We offer a Level 3 NCFE CACHE accredited customised qualification specifically designed for perinatal peer support. 

Working towards a qualification is an individual choice and there is no pressure. This opportunity is offered once a volunteer has gained 12 months experience of supporting local parents.

Find out more about our peer support qualification