Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. Sadly, this is not the case for every parent. By offering friendly, informal, and free peer support we aim to enable parents to keep well, feel support, and to give their babies the best possible start in life.

Parents describe their peer supporter as “someone in their corner” who walks the journey with them, whether this starts in pregnancy or after the birth.

Parents 1st is a charity specialising entirely in quality peer support during pregnancy, birth and beyond:

Enabling pregnant women, expectant fathers, and birthing people, to keep well and feel supported through this major life transition.

Helping parents to prepare for the birth and have a positive birth experience.

Encouraging parents-to-be to prepare for changes ahead.

Building parents’ confidence to cope well and get to know their baby.

Parents request support from us either before or after the birth.

The overall aim of this role is to enable parents-to-be and post birth parents to feel valued, informed and supported. Many parents prefer to communicate with our Peer Supporters by phone, or by using a laptop or tablet.

The volunteer role is about supporting mothers, fathers, partners, and birthing people during pregnancy and after the birth.

The role involves:

Being there to simply listen.

Promoting health and emotional wellbeing (e.g., encouraging relaxation, exercise, and good healthy food).

Assisting parents to cope with the changes that having a baby brings to families and relationships.

Preparing for or reflecting on labour and birth.

Building parents’ confidence and self-esteem – essential for their wellbeing and that of their new baby.

Helping parents to navigate maternity and other local services

Encouraging parents to take the time to adjust to their new role and enjoy getting to know their baby.

Enabling parents to connect with others for mutual support.

Full training and support will be provided.

SKILL

No formal qualifications are required!

We are looking for people who have:

Relevant life experience.
The ability to empathise and really listen.
The confidence to chat informally with expectant and post birth parents.
A positive ‘can do’ attitude and can work as part of a team.

It is ESSENTIAL that you:

Are
Passionate about the aims of Parents 1st and interested in what we are trying to achieve.
Keen and confident to offer virtual support.
Good at listening and communicating.
Friendly, non-judgemental, and approachable.
Reliable and trustworthy

Can
Develop positive relationships with parents, volunteers, practitioners, and our staff.
Build and maintain trusting relationships when carrying out your role.
Demonstrate an inclusive approach to engaging with parents who may feel anxious, lonely, or depressed.
Assist parents to make their own choices and find their own way forward.

You need:
The time and commitment to carry out and to prepare for carrying out the role.
Your own network of support to enable you to fulfil your role.
To be able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to attend introductory and ongoing training.
A willingness to undertake an enhanced criminal record check, provide character references and present minimal potential risk to parents, staff, and property.