Parent Champion (Greater Manchester, supporting parents/carers (autism & learning disabilities))

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference.

We are looking for enthusiastic people who believe in the work that Barnardo’s do and want to let others know about it! Parent Champions will champion our services to parents/carers and the local community, on behalf of Barnardo’s, raising awareness of our services and supporting parents/carers to access groups and 1:1 support.

We know people are more likely to engage with and listen to other parents, who they can relate to. Parent Champions will have experience of using our services and may have shared the same issues and experiences as the families they are reaching out to. We want all local families to know what support and activities are available to them and support them to feel comfortable to access that support when needed.

The Greater Manchester Keyworker Team works across the whole of Greater Manchester, supporting young people with autism and/or a learning disability who are, or have been, at risk of admission to an inpatient mental health setting.

Can you be the positive, reliable presence a parent or carer can count on? The parents and carers in our service are incredible advocates for their children and young people. As a Parent/Carer Champion, you will play an important part in the wider support package. Your time, your voice, and your support could change someone’s day and their whole outlook, building confidence, empowerment and resilience, helping to access information, and navigate systems independently.

This role is about walking alongside a parent or carer at a time when they may need additional support for themselves.

What you might do:

• Research local support groups together
• Help to connect with like-minded parent/carers
• Support engagement with hobbies or personal interests
• Meet for a drink and a catch up
• Provide information, advice and support to individual parent/carers to enable them to increase their confidence and resilience

Time Commitment:

• 4–6 hours per month
• Additional time for travel and recording visits
• Supervision every two months
• Access to a wide range of training opportunities
• Drivers are preferred but not essential

All of our families are members of the Autism community. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity through training and direct experience. Without doubt you will develop a greater understanding of the positives and strengths of neurodiversity and the affirming practice and behaviours that support.

We work alongside a wonderfully diverse group of families and strive to reflect this diversity in our volunteers. As a service we are working towards the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark and value applications from under-represented communities. We are particularly seeking to increase the number of male volunteers we have. Men, your support matters, you can be a positive role model and a strong source of connection, increasing sources of support socially and in the community, making a real difference to someone’s wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE - You must be living in the UK to apply for this role.

For further information, contact Rhiannon Booth: rhiannon.booth@barnardos.org.uk/07548846518