Parent Mentoring

An Introduction to the role of the Parent Mentoring Volunteer

Parent Mentoring in York

Originally the idea of CSV, the UK’s largest volunteering and training charity, the Parent Mentoring Service has been operating in York since October 2011. We focus on supporting families who have a disabled child or a child with additional needs.We have already made a real difference to the lives of struggling families in York. To continue to do this we need more special volunteers. Can you help?

A quote from a parent who used the scheme

‘I fell out with my social worker while my volunteer was visiting me. When this has happened in the past I have switched off from everybody and refused all support. But because I had the volunteer coming in each week, I didn’t give up like I had done before.’

What is Parent Mentoring?

Parent Mentoring schemes match trained volunteers with families who have been identified as those who could benefit from individual and targeted support in the home and community settings. Volunteers support the family for 1 to 4 hours a week and support them to make changes which will keep the child happy, healthy and safe.

How do Parent Mentoring volunteers help?

The Parent Mentoring Volunteer provides a listening ear and a helping hand to families who need support. This could involve assisting with practical tasks, supporting the family to access local services, or being an understanding listener for a stressed parent.

How will we support volunteers?

Volunteers will receive 3 days of training and will have access to appropriate City of York Council training sessions. There is also the possibility of working towards a NVQ level 3 in Working with Parents. Ongoing support and guidance will be provided to each volunteer. All travel expenses will be reimbursed and references will be provided for successful volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer

Typically, volunteers will:

Visit the family regularly at set times

build a trusting relationship based on mutual respect

offer appropriate advice/support to help with the development of improved parenting skills

carry out appropriate practical tasks to assist the family and provide a sound role model

help the family access available community resources as necessary (e.g. welfare rights advice, health information)

support the family to attend meetings/appointments

observe confidentiality

share issues of concern with Social Services with the consent of the parents if possible and appropriate

keep and submit brief written records regularly

Who can be a Parent Mentoring Volunteer?

A Parent Mentoring Volunteer is a very special person and we are looking for volunteers who have four key attributes:

Motivation

A Parent Mentoring Volunteer has the motivation to fulfill the role. That means that volunteers will have thought about the role and how they could support families before they apply. Volunteers will want to support families but also be motivated to develop their own learning and try new experiences.

Attitude

A Parent Mentoring Volunteer is friendly, takes time to listen to others and is able to put others at ease. The Parent Mentoring Volunteer will be able to build a trusting relationship with a family and to put the family first.

Capability

A Parent Mentoring Volunteer has the capability to support families who have been referred to the Parent Mentoring scheme. This means that volunteers understand the needs of families with a disabled child and, with training and support, can help families overcome difficulties.

Suitability

A Parent Mentoring Volunteer is able to commit to the scheme for a minimum of 6 months and is able to provide regular and consistent support to a family during that period. The volunteer will be able to provide two references and will have no convictions that prevent them from volunteering with families. With all these attributes the Parent Mentoring Volunteer can make a real difference to the lives of families.

Parent Mentoring and You?

If you want to find out more about the Parent Mentoring service or if you think you have the qualities we are looking for in a volunteer, please contact us:

Michelle Porter

Parent Mentoring Service

City of York Council

West Offices

Station Rise

York

YO1 6GA

t: 01904 551399

m: 07983 951 277