Yes if you would like to. We offer a NCFE CACHE accredited, customised qualification specifically designed for perinatal peer support.
Working towards a qualification is an individual choice and there is no pressure.
We can only offer this opportunity when a Pregnancy Pal has gained some sound experience of supporting local parents.
Click here for more information.
No you can use public transport to visit families and we will reimburse all eligible travel expenses so that you are not out of pocket.
Volunteering is flexible and can work around your exisiting commitments.
We have a variety of different roles available: admin and digital roles, group and in-person support. We work with mums, dads, birthing people and partners.
Contact us for more information.
One-to-one support
Most volunteer Pregnancy Pals spend around two hours with parents on a weekly or two-weekly basis.
Before applying to become a Pregnancy Pal it is important to carefully consider whether you really do have time in your week to give to another parent.
Click here to find out more about the time needed to attend training.
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.
Honestly, sometimes it can be, especially if you have got on particularly well with a parent.
On the other hand, it is really satisfying to see a mother or father confident and happy to continue their journey without you!
Our ethos is about empowerment and avoiding dependency. This is covered during our training so that you are prepared. We are with you all the way! When a line is drawn under a journey with one parent you move onto building a relationship with someone new.
You get a great feeling of satisfaction from making a difference to a family at such an important time.
"Being a Pregnancy Pal is amazing, giving something back to the community and making a difference to a family is so rewarding."
It’s also great to get to know other volunteers and enjoy the informal social events we organise over the year.
You gain new skills and knowledge and may even learn something new about yourself along the way.
Our Pregnancy Pals often say that the experience has given them more confidence and for some it is the first step towards employment or further education.
Some things need to be there right from the start.
For example:
- First-hand experience of the realities of being a parent
- Being trustworthy and reliable
- An ability to really listen
- Being friendly, approachable and caring
- Being non-judgemental
Once a Pregnancy Pal has completed the introductory training, it is important to attend ongoing training and support so as to develop new skills and to carry out the role effectively.
The first step is to enrol onto a taster course for 4 weekly sessions. If both you and we then decide the role is for you there is then a 5-stage training programme. Click here for more information.