Parents and carers across Thurrock are being encouraged to get involved in their local Family Hubs through a range of rewarding volunteering opportunities.
Family Hubs in all localities are offering opportunities for parents and carers to join the Parent Carer Panel or become an EPEC (Empowering Parents Empowering Communities) Parent Group Leader.
Both opportunities play an active role in shaping services, supporting other families, and building stronger communities.
Have your say through the Parent Carer Panel
The Parent Carer Panel gives parents and carers of children aged zero to two the chance to share their views and help shape how Family Hubs operate.
By joining a panel, parents can:
- Share ideas and feedback on services
- Help influence day-to-day decisions within Family Hubs
- Ensure services are accessible and inclusive for all families
Feedback from Parent Carer Panels is shared directly with Family Hub managers and has already led to improvements. These include:
- Changes to timetables to make activities easier to access
- Development of more inclusive groups
- Opportunities for parents to influence how funding is used
Parents and carers who are interested in joining a panel are encouraged to contact their local Family Hub to find out more: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/family-hubs
Support families as an EPEC Parent Group Leader
There is also an opportunity to become an EPEC (Empowering Parents Empowering Communities) Parent Group Leader.
This role supports other parents by helping to deliver structured parenting groups within the community.
Volunteers will:
- Take part in a 10-week training programme
- Learn how to facilitate “Being a Parent” groups
- Complete reflective learning diaries assessed by the national EPEC team
- Receive a certificate to become a qualified Parent Group Leader
Once trained, volunteers can deliver parenting groups across Thurrock, helping other families build confidence and strengthen relationships.
To apply for the role, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/sites/default/files/assets/documents/5._volunteering_epec_group_leader_volunteer.pdf
To find out more about our Family Hubs, including all of the activities and support available, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/family-hubs