Parent network
The parent network empowers parents with information and involvement. For more information read our frequently asked questions.
We empower parents with information:
The parent network of NPT is a free resource for all parents and carers to find the answers and the help they want. We have a large network of contacts across the county and can ‘navigate the system’ for you to find what you want.
We empower parents with involvement:
All too often, committees, organisations, and groups talk about parents instead of with them; they plan services for parents, instead of with them.
The parent network enables parents to have their voices and opinions heard by giving them direct input into the planning and decision-making of services that affect them and their children.
The parents' panel is a group of parents from a wide variety of backgrounds who meet to talk about a range of issues. Members of the panel then take the group's opinions and views directly to the organisations and services involved, ensuring the 'parent viewpoint' is taken in to consideration.
Consultations - We facilitate discussions with parents and carers with professional organisations, ensuring parents` opinions and views are heard and recognised, and co-ordinate surveys on behalf of agencies.
Events - We host and attend numerous events each year (including coffee evenings, parent days, and community fetes), allowing parents and carers to meet us and learn more about us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to become a fully trained volunteer to be involved?
The Parent Network is a membership organisation, so you do not need to become a fully trained volunteer to become a member, per se, as your involvement as a parent is valued, however much you want to become involved.
Will I be given feedback about the difference my view has made
Yes! There are a set of national participation standards which we are required to meet in involving you as volunteers in a consultation/participation process, and one if these is to ensure that you do receive feedback.
How do you define a parent?
Parents are parents, carers, step parents, grandparents, adoptive and foster parents or primary caregivers of children and young people aged 0 - 25 years.
What activities might I get involved with if I become a member of the parent network?
These are the main activities:-
- involvement in the parent panel and advisory group. The parent panel meets monthly, advisory group meets quarterly
- involvement as a parent representative in a regular project or forum which is working towards one of the goals within the children’s plan for this area
- involvement in various consultation events which have been arranged by the parent network or other agencies, where you will be encouraged to give a parental perspective on the issue/s being raised
- helping out in various events where a parent network stall is present to promote the parent network to a wider audience of parents in this area
- helping with undertaking a survey questionnaires, with members if the public on a specific issue.
What about time commitment?
It's up to you! . You will be invited to attend the Parent’s Panel and the Advisory Group. Through these meetings we will keep you informed as to events and forums you can become involved with. You can choose which ones would interest you or where you feel your experience would be beneficial to share with those who shape services and policies.
Do I need any special skills?
Your own knowledge and experience of being a parent, carer, step-parent, adoptive, foster parent of children and young people aged 0-25 is essential.
Will I be offered any training?
Yes, a 10 week volunteer training course is offered and we are developing a workshop on the role of a parent representative, which will be availability shortly.
Will I be supported when giving my views?
Yes, you will be supported to:
- work as a team with other parents and to gather the views of the group
- express views in a public setting with other professional agencies
- convey the views of parents and of the parent panel in a public setting.
Links
Part of a national site, this is a great site for NPT parents. It provides mums and dads with tons of useful, local information and resources
Parentline Plus is a UK registered charity which offers support to anyone parenting a child “Enough of the children - what about you? There's more to being a parent than your children. It's complicated and we're here to help.”
