Do you have experience parenting a child with special educational needs (SEND)?
As you’ll know, being a parent of a SEND child can be a rewarding but lonely place to be. Parents may not know where to get information about the condition, how to access further support or simply what to do. They may feel that their child is different, and so are they.
By volunteering as a SEND Parent Mentor, you can show a struggling family in your area that they are not alone and help them get the support they need. You can make a lasting difference in the lives of children, parents and families.
“I absolutely love being a SEND volunteer, helping these families and seeing how they come on is amazing, knowing that I’ve been able to help someone means the world to me, helping these mums express their children’s abilities instead of hiding them is amazing and listening to a mum so happy.”
Why Volunteer As A SEND Parent Mentor?
There are many reasons to become a SEND Parent Mentor:
- You want to use what you’ve learned from your own experiences and make a real difference in the lives of families with young children.
- Like us, you feel it’s right to support local parents who are struggling and asking for help. Perhaps you even wish you’d had someone to talk to who ‘gets it’.
- You enjoy learning new skills, gaining experience and growing in confidence. Voluntary work is valuable for your CV and, for many, can be a stepping stone toward a career in a relevant field.
- You want a rewarding way to spend some free time helping others from the comfort of your own home.
What Does A SEND Parent Mentor Do?
You will be matched with a local family that has a child with SEND and asking for help. Once a week over the phone or online, you will offer support that could include:
- Emotional support – being someone to talk to who understands.
- Help and guidance with navigating the pathways to access Neurodevelopmental services such as CAMHS, paediatricians and speech and language services.
- Signposting to support groups and help with finding other support services such as SENDIASS and specialist organisations.
Do I Need Any Qualifications?
No. To become a SEND Parent Mentor, you only need experience of raising a child with special educational needs (SEND). I.e. You are a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or foster parent.
Will I Get Training?
Yes. You will receive high-quality training at your induction. The induction is fun and informal, covering interesting topics, including safeguarding and what you can expect when volunteering. There will be other new volunteers like you and tea, cake, biscuits (and potatoes! – An inside joke, you will soon understand).
Following your induction, you’ll have ongoing one-to-one support as well as training opportunities. Your coordinator is here to support you every step of the way.
“I have really enjoyed meeting these wonderful mothers and grandmothers who are trying to do the best for these children and battling to get the help and support they need to ensure that they shine and grow to be talented and unique people that they are destined to be. If I can be just someone to share their triumphs and struggles with then I couldn’t ask for more.”