Having a baby should be an exciting life changing event for any parent. However, this is not the case for all parents – at the moment, we are experiencing a huge demand for emotional support pre- and post-birth from mothers, fathers and birthing people.
Peer support can be a lifeline for parents who are feeling vulnerable, anxious or isolated. Some friendly, informal and free peer support can make the difference of a lifetime. We are looking for kind, friendly individuals who have a listening ear, who are non-judgemental and who have experience and an understanding of the pressure of having a baby.
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events - you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What does the training involve?
· Our volunteer training course is 4 weeks of 3-hour in-person training sessions. You will need to attend all 4 weeks to complete the training.
· We will cover important topics such as safeguarding, boundaries of the role, communication, confidentiality and listening skills.
· Our approach is friendly and relaxed so that you enjoy the experience whilst also building your knowledge and skills. You will also be offered ongoing support and training. Most of all we want to equip you to be a confident volunteer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why should I volunteer?
Join the Parents 1st award-winning volunteering team and help to make a real difference to expectant and new parents.
Empathy, kindness and a listening ear can make a real difference to someone navigating pregnancy and parenthood. By providing non-judgmental support, you can help a parent feel heard respected and help build their confidence. Volunteering with Parents 1st is flexible and rewarding, and you can choose how much time you can give.
During your training and time supporting parents in Essex, you will get to know other volunteers, learn new skills, make new friends and build your confidence.
Some of our volunteers progress to providing one-to-one peer support to families during pregnancy and after birth. The Community Support training is the first step in building the skills to become a one-to-one peer support volunteer and a requirement before you can book on to further training.
Volunteering can be an amazing experience, and here at Parents 1st UK we highly value the contribution that our volunteers give to the communities we serve. In return, we endeavour to give our volunteers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with full training and regular supervision sessions to ensure they’re prepared and feel supported themselves.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do I get involved?
Book onto one of our training courses!
Our South Essex training sessions take place on:
· Wednesdays 18th & 24th June and 8th & 15th July 2026, 10am -1pm
· Venue: Corringham Fire Station, 37 Fobbing Rd, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 9BG
And in North Essex:
· Wednesdays 18th & 24th June and 8th & 15th July 2026, 10am -1pm
· Venue: Morrisons Community Room, Morrisons Little Clacton, Centenary Way, Little Clacton, Essex, CO16 9SB
If you can't make any of these dates, then why not complete our expression of interest form and a member of staff will get in contact to chat through next steps!
If you’d like an informal chat with our volunteer trainer, Zoe Jarvis, please feel free to give her a call on 07968 059102 or email zoe@parents1st.org.uk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How much time do I need to commit?
Following the training, volunteering is flexible to fit around your own family commitments.
Please note: Some of our events run over multiple weeks and others are one off events. Your volunteer coordinator would work with you to see what will work best to fit in with your experience and availability.
Role Description
To help meet the demand for support for families across Essex, we’re looking for volunteers to help support new and expectant parents at our outreach events. We currently run regular outdoor walk and talk sessions, antenatal information sessions, coffee mornings, fitness and first aid courses and need volunteers to assist our friendly team at these events. Volunteers will help our peer supporters run the events - you might be welcoming parents, making tea, chatting and connecting with parents or holding a baby whilst mum has a drink!
Empathy, kindness and a listening ear can make a real difference to someone navigating pregnancy and parenthood. By providing non-judgmental support, you can help a parent feel heard respected and help build their confidence.
Start Date: 05/05/2026
End Date: 05/05/2028
| Slot | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Following the training, volunteering is flexible to fit around your own family commitments. Please note: Some of our events run over multiple weeks and others are one off events. Your volunteer coordinator would work with you to see what will work best to fit in with your experience and availability.
This opportunity is available in: Basildon, Billericay & Wickford, Braintree, Rayleigh and Rochford, Southend, Tendring
Parents Aid
1st Dunmow Scout Group
SAVS
Loughton Voluntary Care
UCAN Volunteer Centre
Parents 1st