Parenting

For all parents there are many times when being a parent is fulfilling and enjoyable. But for some parents the responsibility for caring for their children is daunting, and there are often times when they feel isolated and under pressure as they try to work through problems or difficult situations.

Mothers' Unionis committed to offering support to families and works to equip parents with support and skills, giving them the confidence they need to do the most important job theyll ever undertake. It has established a range of projects to offer support networks, practical help and social contact and encouragement for parents:

1. In 1999 Mothers' Union discovered that whilst there were many resources available for parenting group facilitators, there was little training available to them. This led to the introduction of the Parenting Training Programme. Now operating in Britain and Ireland, Uganda, Rwanda, West Indies and Kenya, the course is designed to equip members with the skills they will need to facilitate parenting groups. Once trained these members go on to set up groups that parents can join, to share ideas, pick up practical tips and make friends. Within the UK and Ireland trainees completing the course have the opportunity to gain external accreditation through the Open College Network London Region.
2. Mothers' Union parent and toddler groups provide a comfortable environment where parents and carers can come together for friendship and social time with their young children.
3. A range of support is offered to parents who are either in, or affected by imprisonment.
4. A network of over 35 child contact centres across the UK provide a safe, friendly and neutral environment for parents who have separated to meet up with their children.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of just listening to the people talk about the way their family life has changed for the better since experiencing the training in a parenting group. Also knowing that I am making a significant contribution in helping to make this world a better place for our children gives me immense pleasure."

"To feel a part of this worldwide plan to equip communities to extend their parenting skills, build relationships and contribute to the stability of family life in society is just awesome because I dont have to wait a hundred years to see the changes; it is happening before my very eyes." Sheran, Parenting Trainer, Guyana.

Mothers' Union also works on parenting issues from a policy perspective. Read about its work on the UK Government's Respect Action Plan or the recent Work and Families Bill.

** If you are a Mothers' Union member please log in and read about the Role of a Parenting Facilitator and how the Parenting Programmes work**

Parenting Training Programme

Research undertaken at the end of the 90s suggested that one of the key factors in determining how helpful parenting groups are for parents is the skill of the group facilitator. Mothers' Union found that whilst there were many resources available for group facilitators, there seemed to be little training to equip them. Armed with this research, Mothers' Union introduced the Parenting Training programme.

The Parenting Training Programme is a course which aims to equip Learners with facilitation skills to enable them to lead parenting groups. Within the course, facilitators learn about subjects such as understanding parents, the family life cycle, parenting group dynamics, group facilitation styles and skills, resources available for groups and guidelines for choosing and adapting them for specific groups.

Since the first course was held in 2000, a total of 35 training courses have taken place within Britain and Ireland, enabling 421 people to train as parenting group facilitators.

To ensure that parenting groups meet national standards of quality and excellence, everyone who attends the course has the opportunity to gain external accreditation through the Open College Network London Region.

Following the success of the programme with Britain and Ireland, a version of the training course is now being piloted in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and parts of the West Indies.

To find out more,please visit the following Province pages:

- Uganda
- Rwanda
- West Indies
- Kenya
- Wales
- Scotland
- Canterbury
- York
- Ireland