Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Parents1st
    • Twitter
    • Facebook 
    • YouTube
Donate
Menu
  • Who we are
    • Why we exist
    • The difference we make
    • History
    • Meet the team
      • Board
      • Staff team
    • Research and evaluation
  • National work
    • Where we work
    • Our licensed affiliates
    • Training and Workshops
      • Support to other organisations
      • Developing successful perinatal peer support
    • Parents 1st UK
    • The Parents 1st Community Parent model
  • Expectant mums and dads
    • Pregnancy Pals & Birth Buddies
    • Antenatal sessions for mums
    • For expectant dads
    • Group exercise sessions
    • Once in a lifetime videos (VIG)
    • How do I make a referral? (Professionals)
  • Be a Pregnancy Pal
    • Why get involved?
    • How to get involved
    • Pregnancy Pal training and support
    • Enrol onto a taster course
    • Gaining a national qualification
    • FAQs
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
  • Events and news
    • News
    • Events
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  1. Be a Pregnancy Pal
  2. FAQs

Peer support FAQs

Do I get a qualification?

Expand

Yes if you would like to. We offer the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Work with Parents. This involves completing a learning portfolio (there is no exam!). It is a well-recognised national vocational qualification.

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Updated: 17th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Do I need to drive?

Expand

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

How much time would I need to give?

Expand

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Is it hard to end the peer support relationship with a parent?

Expand

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

What is it like being a Pregnancy Pal?

Expand

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

What makes a good Pregnancy Pal?

Expand

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.

Published: 9th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

What training would I have to do?

Expand

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.  

Published: 9th April, 2018

Updated: 17th April, 2018

Author: Julie Clark

Related topics:
  • Peer support FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Back to top

Showing 10 of 7

Latest

  • Peer Support Complements Midwifery Service

    Peer Support Complements Midwifery Service

    Parents 1st Essex talks to Dolly, a Perinatal Mental Health Midwife at Basildon Hospital about how peer support has complemented the midwifery service and support for expectant Mums in her care.

  • Fit-for-Mums Classes Have Benefitted Mums Like Julie

    Fit-for-Mums Classes Have Benefitted Mums Like Julie

    Julie talks to Parents 1st Essex about her experience of attending our Fit-for-Mums exercise classes during and after her pregnancy.

  • Fit for Mums Online! 6 Week Postnatal Programme Wednesdays March 2021

    Fit for Mums Online! 6 Week Postnatal Programme Wednesdays March 2021

    A FREE, fun and friendly 6 week online progressive exercise programme for Basildon, Thurrock and Castlepoint mums, to help them feel fit and healthy after giving birth.

  • Fit for Mums-to-be Online! 6 Week Antenatal Programme March 2021

    Fit for Mums-to-be Online! 6 Week Antenatal Programme March 2021

    A FREE, fun and friendly 6 week online exercise programme for Basildon, Thurrock and Castlepoint mums-to-be, to help them feel fit and healthy during pregnancy.

Most read

  • What we offer and where

    What we offer and where

    We offer a range of friendly and free activities during pregnancy, birth and after the birth.

  • Fit 4 mums-to-be

    Fit 4 mums-to-be

    Fun, friendly and really helpful if you are feeling anxious, suffering from back pain or are overweight.

  • Where we work

    We strive to ensure that high quality peer support is delivered during pregnancy, birth and beyond. We achieve this by delivering services both locally (South and mid Essex) and nationally.

  • Why we exist

    We specialise in effective volunteering and peer support during the key life change of pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent.

  • How to get involved?

    How to get involved?

    Do you want to make the difference of a lifetime?

  • Why get involved?

    Why get involved?

    Do you want to make the difference of a lifetime?

  • How do volunteers benefit?

    How do volunteers benefit?

    Volunteers frequently describe their volunteering experience as “life changing".

  • History

    History

    We have over 25 years’ award winning expertise in designing, developing, implementing and evaluating high quality early years volunteering.

  • Research and evaluation

    An extensive evidence base and practice experience underpins our peer support model.

  • Once in a lifetime videos (VIG)

    Once in a lifetime videos (VIG)

    'Once in a lifetime' videoing helps you to capture precious moments during pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Sign up for our newsletter

Parents 1st will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please confirm by ticking the box that you wish to receive emails from us.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use MailChimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to MailChimp for processing. Learn more about MailChimp's privacy practices here.

   
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy and Cookies Policy
    • Twitter
    • Facebook 
    • YouTube

Strengths in Communities CIC (trading as Parents 1st) company number 06714737

And Parents 1st South Essex registered charity - charity number 1161075

Registered office: Unit 10 Hornsby Square, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex SS15 6SD
Telephone: 01268 525 758     Email:[email protected]