These are the kind of questions that parents ask Parent Link volunteers:
- "My child is struggling at school. What can I do?"
- "I can't cope. Where do I look for help?"
- "How can I get my child back into school?"
Don't worry if you don't know the answers. The Volunteer Training Programme will give you all the information you need as well as other skills.
You could be a Parent Link volunteer if you:
- are good at listening and communicating
- want to help ensure a good education for children with special educational needs
- are available a few hours a week (flexible)
- successfully complete the recruitment process (interview, references, criminal record check, training)
- are prepared to attend training sessions and regular supervision sessions.
In return, we offer:
- full expenses (including childcare costs)
- training
- job satisfaction
- the opportunity to develop your skills.
What do Parent Link volunteers do?
When a child is identified as having special educational needs, parents enter a complicated and confusing process. They have to learn a whole new system, fill out many forms, go to meetings and make important choices for their child.
On top of this, they may be struggling to come to terms with their child's disability, learning or behavioural difficulties, or have other stresses and strains to deal with.
Parent Link volunteers become the parent's Independent Parent Supporter and help them through the whole process by:
- meeting them to talk about their concerns and hopes
- explaining the procedures, highlighting their legal rights
- helping them fill out forms and write letters about their child
- going with them to any meetings with schools or the Education Authority
- helping them sort out disagreements and giving information about other support available.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us.
