Parent and Carer Champion FAQs

What will becoming a Parent or Carer Champion involve?

Our Champions volunteer their time, experience and expertise to contribute to our projects and services, all of which are focused on improving the wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and families.

This can involve things like:

• supporting us to review our resources

• sharing the parent or carer's perspective as part of our training days for mental health professionals

• helping out at events

• raising awareness of the importance of mental health in the media.

Volunteering as a Parent or Carer Champion is flexible and can be tailored to you so just let us know what you are interested in and we’ll find the right activity for you.

Do I need to have a personal connection to mental health to become a Champion?

We are particularly keen to hear from mums and dads with experience of caring for a child with mental health difficulties and who have experience of mental health issues themselves.

However, not all opportunities to get involved in our work will require a personal connection to mental health. So if you are a parent looking to do some volunteering and you are passionate about mental health, please do get in touch.

I am a legal guardian/carer of a child, can I still become a Parent Champion?

Absolutely, if you are a parent, carer or legal guardian of a child or young person and you would like to use your experiences to help us improve mental health services we would love to hear from you.

What training and support will you provide?

We are committed to ensuring all our Champions are fully supported to engage in our projects and services in an informed and meaningful way. As a Parent or Carer Champion, you will always be fully briefed before you engage in any new activity and we will provide you with access to training (including an induction, safeguarding and information governance training) to support your personal development and help you develop the skills you need to take part in activities and projects.

How much time do I need to give?

We are very flexible and can work around your availability. Time commitments for activities and projects will vary, so let us know how much time you have and we will find the right opportunities for you.

Will my expenses be paid?

Yes, we will cover travel expenses for activities you engage in as a Parent or Carer Champion. When you register as a Champion we will talk you though our expenses policy, so you will know how you can claim expenses and what you can claim expenses for.

Will becoming a Parent or Carer Champion affect my jobseekers' allowance or benefits?

We always recommend that you check with your local council, however as you will not be paid for your time (we only reimburse expenses) volunteering as a Parent or Carer Champion should not affect your benefits.

I would like to become a Parent or Carer Champion but would need help with childcare to participate – could you help with this?

Yes, we will arrange a free crèche where possible. We also try and plan activities during school time wherever we can to support parental involvement in our work.