Burnout and isolation shouldn’t define parenting a neurodivergent child. You can change the story. We’ll train you to facilitate parenting skills, giving Bedfordshire parents the science-backed tools they need to confidently bring up happy, thriving children.
As an Autism or ADHD Parent Group Leader, you’ll make the most of your lived experience of parenting a child with ASD or ADHD. Backed by accredited training and ongoing support, you’ll learn skills to support local families.
The Role:
- You: Live in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford or Luton and have lived experience of parenting a child with ASD or ADHD.
- Home-based: Support local families online from the comfort of your own home.
- Predictable Schedule: Fits around your routine; sessions run during term-time only, at pre-arranged times on a weekday evening, so you can plan ahead.
- Direct Impact: You’ll be improving the lives of Bedfordshire families asking for your help.
“A great course which has taught me lots about the language I use with my children, how to be firm and encouraging, to respect the basic emotions and ‘self’ of my children and to be kinder to myself.”
What You’ll Be Doing
Local SEND families are looking for support, and you could make a real difference.
Many of the families we support have at least one child with autism or a child with ADHD, whether or not they have received a formal diagnosis.
You’ll receive free training in how to facilitate evidence-informed parenting programmes, alongside practical knowledge and strategies for supporting families of children with autism and ADHD.
Once trained, you’ll facilitate small-group parenting programmes online, creating a safe, supportive space where parents can build their confidence, develop new skills and learn practical strategies to support their children.
- Recognising the challenges of parenting a child with ASD or ADHD. Providing reassurance, understanding and opportunities to connect with others who have similar experiences.
- Developing a deeper understanding of their neurodivergent child/children. Supporting effective communication, positive interactions and stronger parent-child relationships.
- Understanding their child’s behaviour, including experiences of overwhelm and meltdowns. Helping parents recognise and respond to their child’s needs, while supporting them through recovery.
- Building confidence in their parenting. Providing positive parenting approaches, practical strategies and supportive routines that work for their family.
- Reducing the risk of parental burnout. Promoting the importance of self-care and helping parents recognise and prioritise their own wellbeing.
“I’ve not long done the EPEC courses with Colette, both ADHD and ASD, they were both really good. It was good to be with other parents and realise I’m not on my own. Colette was great, she explained it all like on a family level not medical/clinical level…”
Why Become A Parent Group Leader?
You can make a real difference –
- Empowering local families with proven parenting tools. You will give them EPEC, a highly successful, science-backed programme that translates developmental research into practical everyday strategies for parents.
- Giving parents knowledge and skills to help autistic children or children with ADHD thrive.
- Uncovering the challenges local families face, helping our cause influence local SEND support.
- Using your own lived experiences, helping other parents know they are not alone, and can raise happy children.
You will be supported –
- So your confidence grows. You’ll receive online, accredited Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC) training. EPEC is designed by the Centre for Parent and Child Support, an internationally recognised clinical and research unit based at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Every step of the way, you’ll be supported by your volunteer coordinator.
- So you’re not alone. There are two Parent Group Leaders facilitating per parenting group. These are small groups online with a programme to follow. You’ll also be supervised regularly, receiving additional guidance and support.
- So you have valuable skills. Many of our volunteers are able to use their experience with us to strengthen their CVs and enhance their career prospects. For some, this can support a return to the workforce, while others progress into fields such as SEND support, education, social care or teaching.
You will be part of something –
- Many local parents volunteer with our charity, and thousands do so across Home-Start nationally.
- Our Parent Group Leaders team is a small, friendly, welcoming group of like-minded people from all walks of life. This includes parents with experience in autism and ADHD. In our wider volunteer team, we also have parents of children with SEND, including neurodivergence.
- You’ll make new friends, receive regular one-to-one support and attend optional social events and training opportunities.
- If you have the desire to learn, grow, and help families thrive, you belong here. Join the UK’s largest family support charity. Because childhood can’t wait.
“Thank you so much for running the course. It has really helped me to understand ADHD, have confidence to express my concerns. The way you allow us to be ourselves to be able to support each other has been absolutely amazing. It has been far more helpful than I every thought it would be.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a home-based volunteer role mean?
Our Parent Group Leader roles are designed to be home-based. This means you volunteer from home, where you will facilitate parenting skills by delivering EPEC training to small online parenting groups at pre-arranged times. Your partnered Parent Group Leader will also join you online.
Your induction training is also provided online. Various training events are also offered online throughout the year. However, social events occur in person, and you are welcome to attend.
Your coordinator will visit or meet you face-to-face at the start. Then she will meet with you online every 2 weeks to supervise, provide guidance and support.
Do I need formal qualifications to become an Autism or ADHD Parent Group Leader?
You do not need formal qualifications for this role, but you do need experience raising an autistic child or a child with ADHD. There is no typical Parent Group Leader. We value volunteers from all walks of life, as diverse as the families in our community.
Parent Group Leaders receive accredited EPEC training, showing you how to teach parenting skills to others. This takes place online once a week for 10 weeks. You’ll also receive safeguarding training as well as optional training opportunities throughout your time with us.
A DBS will also be undertaken.
What is the time commitment for Parent Group Leaders?
You will have pre-arranged times for the online parenting groups on a weekday evening. These run for term-time periods only, not during school holidays or half-term. Typically, this is 1.5-3 hours per week. Speaking with our Parent Group Leaders, they fit the role around their other commitments and still have plenty of spare time.
As group members attend, we ask our Parent Group Leaders to be reliable. However, we also know life can be messy, and many of our volunteers have caring responsibilities. If you are unable to attend, communication is what matters.
We also understand that circumstances change, and you can take a break from the role as you need. Ultimately, it’s up to you how long you stay volunteering. You could also move into other volunteer roles, such as SEND Parent Mentors, should you wish.
Will my volunteering expenses be covered?
For the Autism or ADHD Parent Group Leaders’ roles, there shouldn’t be any expenses. If an unforeseen circumstance arises, you will be reimbursed.
Working In Partnership With
