Are you a parent or carer who enjoys connecting with other families? Do you have a child under five and use Bright Start services? If so, you could be the perfect fit to become one of Islington’s next Parent Champions.

This spring, our award‑winning Parent Champion programme, recognised as Parent Champions Scheme of the Year 2025 by Coram Family and Childcare, is recruiting a new group of local volunteers who want to make a real difference for families in their community.

What is a Parent Champion?

Parent Champions are parents, carers and community‑minded residents who volunteer a few hours each week to help other families find the support they need. Their role includes:

• Chatting to other parents about free early education and childcare for under‑5s
• Helping families understand what’s available at their local Bright Start Children’s Centre
• Sharing useful health and wellbeing information
• Supporting peer‑to-peer networks that help ensure every family feels included
• Helping shape and improve Bright Start services by feeding back ideas and experiences

It’s a brilliant opportunity to support local families, gain confidence and community‑engagement skills, and even work towards a recognised qualification.

What’s on offer for volunteers?

All Parent Champions receive:

• An accredited Level 1 training course
• Great networking and community‑building opportunities
• A supportive volunteer community
• Ongoing training and development
• Crèche and travel costs covered during training
• Flexible volunteering that can fit around work, caring, and daily routines

Whether you’re considering a future career in early years, health, community work or simply want to get more involved locally, the programme is a great stepping stone.

Training details

Parent Champion training course

29 April – 17 June 2026

Wednesdays, 10am–1pm (7 sessions)

Minik Kardes @ The Factory Children’s Centre, 107–109 Matthias Road, N16 8NP

Who can apply?

We’re welcoming applications from:

• Dads, mums and carers living in Islington
• Parents with at least one child under five
• Anyone who uses Bright Start services
• People who enjoy talking to and supporting other parents
• Volunteers able to offer 2–3 hours per week

Interested? Let’s talk

To find out more or sign up, contact:

Selda Aygun, Parent Participation Officer on 020 7527 6835 or via email at selda.aygun@islington.gov.uk

You can also speak to your local Children’s Centre team.