Wrexham’s Parent Champions Scheme is now one year old!
Parent Champions are parent carer volunteers who champion services to other parents in their community and are supported by Wrexham Family Information Service (WFIS).
They’ve had an eventful year, during which they have recruited and trained four dedicated volunteers, attended events and hosted drop-ins in the local community.
The volunteers all have varied life experiences and represent different areas of Wrexham but they all have one thing in common; they all want to give back and share their experiences of the services in their local area. They are all passionate about supporting parents and want the best for family life.
Parent Champions currently host two regular drop-ins, one in Yellow and Blue, a local community café, on the third Friday of the month between 1pm and 3pm. The other in St Christopher’s school, once every half term. The Parent Champions also support WFIS Outreach Officers by attending various locations in the community, including foodbanks and community centres, to promote the service offered by WFIS and signpost families to appropriate services in the area.
The volunteers also use their knowledge and skills in their daily lives. One volunteer attends a Parent Support Group as a parent and has been able to share her knowledge with other parents there. Another works with children and young people and has been able to use her knowledge to better support their parents.
As the project has grown, they’ve recognised the need for individuality and flexibility. One size does not fit all! Our Parent Champions can adapt their role and attend events based on their knowledge, skills and availability while being supported by a Project Coordinator.
The Parent Champions achievements were recently recognised during the AVOW Volunteers Week Celebration Event. Claire Hughes, the Parent Champion Coordinator said, “The celebration event, hosted by AVOW, was a wonderful way to celebrate the work of the Parent Champions.
“Full recognition was given to the impact the volunteers have made to the programme and the individual achievements of each of them. It has been an honour to work with the volunteers over the last twelve months. The success of the programme is thanks to their commitment and enthusiasm for supporting parents in Wrexham.”
Cllr Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services said, “Our Parent Champions have had an impressive first year and they are actively making a difference to other parents in their communities.
“Their combined experience and knowledge means they can easily adapt and respond to other parents needs or concerns and provide valued advice and support.
“I wish them continued success for the next year.”
Parent Champions Project is Expanding
The Parent Champion project is looking and we’re looking for more parents who have used services to become a Parent Champion volunteer.
Do you want to support parents in your local area? Would you like to join a fun, supportive community of other likeminded volunteers? Do you have a few hours a week to share with others? Do you feel that you have what it takes to be a Parent Champion? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then please get in touch.
The next training is due to take place on the 18 and 19 October 2023. To book a place or to find out more please email Claire on parentchampions@wrexham.gov.uk or give us a call on 01978 292094.
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