Angie Jones Administration Assistant Expand Angie joined Parents 1st Essex in March 2021 as the Social Enterprise Administration Assistant. Angie has held several administrative positions within the Banking, Insurance and Education sector but has always had a keen interest in working for a charity. On a day-to-day basis, Angie is responsible for providing practical and organisational administrative support and is the focal person for all of Parents 1st Essex communications. "I really enjoy working for Parents 1st Essex, it’s lovely receiving feedback from expectant mums that we have supported and knowing the difference our services have made to their lives, which makes my job even more worthwhile."
Annette Andrews Chair of the Board - Annette is experienced as an Executive in the Corporate sector as a Chief People Officer Expand Chair of the Board Annette has extensive experience as an Executive in the Corporate sector as a Chief People Officer, with a cross sector career in Human Resources. An authentic leader and subject matter expert, with Change Management and Transformation experience. She is passionate about supporting individuals and organisations achieve their full potential. Annette has an MBA; she is also a certified Executive and Life Coach, a qualified Mediator and Mental Health First Aider. She has set up her own Coaching & Consulting business, combining this with Non-Executive & Advisory roles. In her personal life Annette is divorced with two sons who are now at University; she has personal and family experience of the challenges facing new parents, and knows how the right support at the right time can make all the difference. In her spare time she enjoys long walks with her dog Barkley.
Can a Pregnancy Pal be at the birth? Expand Pregnancy Pals also offer Birth Buddy support. Click here for more information.
Can we be friends and stay in touch? Expand We aim to help you to make friends with other parents in your local area. We can do this by putting you in touch with local parents and introducing you to groups and activities that are going on locally. Your Pregnancy Pal can then move on to supporting another family. Pregnancy Pals aren’t ‘friends’ on social media, like Facebook and they don’t give out their personal contact details. Visit our events page for upcoming social events being organised, where you may have the opportunity to meet up with your Pregnancy Pal again.
Celia Suppiah Chief Executive Officer - Celia is a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse and founder of Parents 1st Expand Chief Executive Officer Celia’s commitment to early prevention volunteering began in Essex in 1990 when, working as a health visitor, she recognised that many parents feel fearful or wary of professionals. Celia established a 'Community Mums and Dads' volunteer peer support programme. Drawing on the strengths of local mothers she found them uniquely placed to offer a different kind of support to parents on her caseload. Celia is passionate about raising awareness of the unique contribution of volunteering to achieving outcomes for parents and children. The Essex programme became a national model of good practice and Celia began supporting other organisations to develop similar Community Parent programmes. In 2004 Celia gained a 'Leading Practice through Research' Award from the Health Foundation and spent two years working with and evaluating 10 Community Parent Programmes that she had helped to establish across the UK. Inspired by the findings, Celia resigned from a long career in the NHS and established Parents 1st as an independent social enterprise in 2008. As CEO of Parents 1st, Celia’s vision and commitment is to promote, support and develop autonomous Community Parent programmes across the UK of the highest quality. This means providing quality support, resources and learning networks to equip others to deliver effective early prevention volunteering that empowers parents to give their babies the best possible start in life. In 2010 Celia and her team established a new 'Pregnancy Pal and Birth Buddy' volunteer programme in South Essex. In 2013 Celia won the UnLtd Big Venture Challenge to scale the impact of this innovative new programme. In 2015 the NESTA and Cabinet Office Social Action Innovation Fund supported Celia further and two licensed affiliate programmes were established in Tower Hamlets and Derby. Other achievements include a Parents 1st National City & Guild Accreditation Centre providing unique opportunities for volunteers to gain national qualifications drawing on their experience of supporting parents in the natural volunteer setting. Celia has a background in midwifery and has over 30 years’ experience as a public health nurse. She has a master’s degree in Public Health (Health Visiting) and is an Honorary Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
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.
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.
How do I know I can trust a Pregnancy Pal? Expand A Pregnancy Pal has first-hand experience of the realities of being a parent. They are good listeners and we have strict rules about keeping things confidential. We take great care in the way we recruit Pregnancy Pals including references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks. We give all our Pregnancy Pals excellent training which provides them up to date and reliable information. They are supervised by our experienced team including a fully qualified antenatal teacher.
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.
How often will I see a Pregnancy Pal and where? Expand A Pregnancy Pal usually visits on a weekly or fortnightly basis for an hour or two. You can choose what you would like to do together and the timing is agreed between you. The visits usually take place in the privacy of your home but you can meet at a local café if you prefer. A Pregnancy Pal may accompany you to an appointment or when going along to a local group for the first time or even just going to the shops together.
I'm an expectant dad. Is what you do just for mums or for me too? Expand This is as much for dads as it is for mums. We are always looking for new ways to make sure dads feel welcome and included. We offer FREE workshops for expectant dads who live in Basildon, Canvey Island and Thurrock. Check out our events page for the next workshops in your area.
Investing in staff development skills to support effective volunteering The volunteer coordinator post is pivotal. Relational capability is a vital key thread throughout all aspects of programme delivery. Expand Who for: Volunteer coordinators, development workers and trainers; and professionals who are working in partnership with the programme. N.B. This workshop is appropriate if a programme is about to be launched or already being delivered. Numbers: Up to 15 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/course handbook/discussion/small group work). How long: 2 full days. Content: Emotional intelligence/spirit of motivational interviewing/overcoming resistance from professionals/appreciative feedback; Supervision model; Skills practice: interviewing a potential volunteer; supervising a volunteer; gaining professional buy-in; Links with the Investing in Volunteers accreditation process; Quality processes that nurture development of effective peer support skills.
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.
Jayne Stonely Business Manager Expand Jayne started her career in 2000 as a support worker in a women’s refuge supporting women and children fleeing domestic abuse. She later moved into management, leading a successful accommodation-based parent & child project in Thurrock before winning a tender to be the sole provider of parent and child accommodation and floating support services across Thurrock and Southend. She has managed women’s refuges in Barking & Dagenham and later concentrated her work with young people aged 16-25, running foyers, homeless hostels and a YMCA, which provided support with education, employment and training as well as life skills, tenancy support and emotional support. More recently Jayne was a Practice Lead for the Pause project in Barking & Dagenham, an innovative assertive outreach programme for women. Jayne lives with her partner in Great Notley and has 2 grown up sons. “Over many years I have seen the positive outcomes achieved for parents and their children using practical, emotional and holistic support, to enrich lives, promote confidence and well-being”
Jenny McLeish Board Advisor - Jenny is a Specialist Researcher pregnancy, early years and peer support. Expand Board Advisor After many years working in the voluntary sector, Jenny is currently a Health Services Researcher at the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit where she has been researching the impact on parents and volunteers of different models of pregnancy and postnatal peer support. As an Associate of the Institute for Voluntary Action Research she carried out an evidence review of the impact of volunteers on early childhood outcomes, to support the development of the A Better Start programmes. She is also studying for a PhD evaluating the effectiveness of peer support for mothers with perinatal mental illness and the process of setting up new volunteer projects.
Jo Robins Non-Executive Director - Jo is an Independent Public Health Consultant. Expand Non-Executive Director Jo has over twenty years’ experience of working in the NHS and local government at a strategic and operational level. She has worked as a practitioner in the community, as an NHS manager and at senior level as a public health consultant. She has extensive experience of collaborative work across the NHS, local government, police and voluntary sector services. Jo is on the voluntary register for public health and is a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health. She is also a faculty member of the Sustainable Improvement Team (NHS England, previously NHS Improving Quality), and a Level One Trainer for the Skills Deployment Inventory. She currently has a dual role as Programme Director Transformation/Public Health Consultant across an NHS health economy and local authority. "I enjoy the challenge of partnership working and I’m passionate about improving services for children and young people especially around emotional health, wellbeing and resilience."
Lisa Feeney Coordinator Expand Coordinator Lisa joined Parents 1st as a volunteer Pregnancy Pal in 2009, as she wanted to connect with other mums within her local community who may have felt isolated and alone, which Lisa experienced herself as a mum. Whilst continuing in her volunteering role Lisa joined the Parents 1st staff team as a development worker in 2011, where she went out into the community to promote Parents 1st to midwives, health visitors and other health professionals and provide outreach opportunities in Childrens centres, GP surgeries and the local hospital. In 2016 Lisa was promoted to assistant coordinator of the Pregnancy Pal and Birth Buddy programme. This role incorporates all aspects of the recruitment of new volunteers, providing supervision to established volunteers, undertaking initial and introductory visits to families that have been referred to Parents 1st for support and then matching volunteers with those families and assisting the programme manager to ensure the smooth running of the Pregnancy Pal and Birth Buddy programme. Lisa completed the Level 3 City and Guilds 3599 Award in Work with Parents whilst training and volunteering and she has attended numerous workshop and study days to enhance the support she can offer to volunteers. Lisa grew up and lives in Thurrock with her husband, three children, dog, parrot and tortoise. "I really enjoy my role at Parents 1st. It’s because I know we are making a difference in people’s lives, not just for the families we support but the volunteers also."
Melanie Eichhorn-Schurig Melanie Eichhorn-Schurig joined Parents 1st initially as NED Finance in early 2018. She was CEO from 2019 - 2021 and now continues to support the Board. Expand Melanie Eichhorn-Schurig joined Parents 1st initially as NED Finance in early 2018. She took up the position as CEO in June 2019 until late 2021 and is now supporting the Board, continuing to be a valued member of the Parents 1st Essex team. Melanie holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Said Business School (Oxford University), the FT NED Diploma, a LL.M. and a masters level degree in Business Administration. She has extensive experience within the Financial Services industry where she worked most recently as a Programme Manager. Prior to that, she worked as Head of Internal Audit for a brokerage firm and has held a number of positions within Internal Audit and Compliance. Melanie has a keen interest in social finance and during her time as CEO sought ways to ensure that Parents 1st Essex could enhance its financial sustainability. 'I am very proud to continue supporting the board following my return to a role as a project manager within the financial services industry.'
Overview and insights Into the A Better Start volunteering evidence review and accompanying implementation framework. Expand Who for: Heads of service (maternity, health visiting, early years), commissioners, providers (local networks). Numbers: Up to 50 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/discussion/small group work) with expert input. How long: Half or full day. Content: A summary of the key findings of the review (including background, rationale and highlights); Focus on the models and roles of volunteers; Insights on how volunteering in pregnancy, birth and beyond can reduce local pressures on the system (the evidence); Practical application using the accompanying framework and implications for your local area.
Sally Taylor Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Professional Expand Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Professional Sally's background is in health and fitness. For 18 years she worked in health promotion focusing on preventative programmes to support the Governments recommendations. Sally is passionate about improving the mental and physical health of local people, working with local organisations to support and deliver campaigns, training and events. Sally is particularly interested in maternal and infant health. Sally became very interested in this area when she was expecting herself. Sally had also been trained as a fitness instructor and was unsure about how much and what exercise was safe to do during pregnancy. That was over 20 years ago. Since then she has qualified as a Personal Trainer and specialises in pre/postnatal fitness. "I am so passionate about women keeping active during pregnancy and post birth, the benefits are amazing. I exercised up to my due date with both my pregnancies and had positive birth outcomes." Sally has been working for Parents 1st as a pre/postnatal fitness specialist since 2010 and more recently joined the staff team as a Development Worker. "The feedback I receive about the exercise sessions makes me feel so happy. It is so rewarding when you see a mum-to-be come along, that at first was a bit hesitant, grow in confidence and fitness. Most pregnant women join the exercise sessions to ease pregnancy related issues such as back or pelvic girdle pain. They all feel better for participating and enjoy the other benefits of exercise also. The post birth exercise sessions are great because you see the difference in the women over the 8 weeks, gradually returning to their pre-pregnancy weight. Being part of Parents 1st is like having an extended family, everyone is so kind and passionate about what they do. Help and support is always at hand. If we can’t help we will always try and find someone who can."
Sarah kholia Peer Supporter Expand Sarah has been a peer supporter since May 2021. She had been volunteering with Parents 1st Essex for over a year and a half when the job opportunity arose and Sarah could not think of anything better than to continue her work in this new capacity. As a peer supporter Sarah undertakes outreach work, providing one-to-one support to expectant and new parents. She also runs antenatal sessions remotely and in person. "I absolutely love what I do. Everything we do is done confidentially, to allow families to gain our trust, so that they feel comfortable to open up to us. This means we can provide them with all the support they need that is most beneficial to them. I really enjoy what I do, I feel a great sense of joy and happiness knowing that I can provide company to someone that hasn’t got any or simply inform parents to help them to feel more confident."
SMARTER use of scarce professional resource How to commission successful volunteer programmes. Expand For who: Service leads, commissioners, providers and other stakeholders. Numbers: Up to 20 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/discussion/small group work) with expert input. How long: Half or full day. Content: Exploring the potential of peer support to enable parents/children that would most benefit from identified services to access them better. Post workshop: Document summarising key reflections and agreed outcomes.
Strengths in communities Volunteering as part of local maternity (Better Birth) and Healthy Child programme strategies. Expand Who for: Commissioners, transformation leads, heads of service. Numbers: Dependent on requirement. Delivery method: Remote and face-to-face taking a co-production approach (methods agreed locally). How long: Allocated according to requirements. Contents: Critical friend support that will guide senior leaders on how to integrate volunteering into local plans through: Developing an understanding of the benefits (to all stakeholders) through existing meetings and networks; Articulating the relevance to NHS indicators/targets around breastfeeding, child outcomes etc; Creating a local volunteering implementation plan (based on key components derived from evidence of what works); Training for key staff.
Terina Deville Peer Supporter Expand Terina started volunteering in 2016 when the last of her five sons went to school. After focussing on family life for eight years, she saw a Parents 1st Essex leaflet in one of her children's school letters, looking for volunteers. This encouraged her to sign-up and she hasn’t looked back since. The knowledge and confidence Terina has gained has been enormous. Terina started her role as a peer supporter in October 2019. She was overjoyed to be back working again doing something that she loved - helping, sharing and preparing families for their babies. Terina has attended many births and says "Seeing a baby born is such a wonderful experience, one that I will never forget. I enjoy meeting all new mums to be within my outreach work and in clinic. It’s a very rewarding role." “Parents 1st Essex has made me a better parent without knowing it! I also gained a City and Guilds qualification through my role. It has been so nice to hear the wonderful feedback from parents at the end of our support, because that means that I have done what I should and helped them along their way on their pregnancy journey and during the three months post birth.”