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Mothers' Union Parenting Programme (UK & Ireland)
For all parents there are many times when being a parent is fulfilling and enjoyable. But for some parents the responsibility of 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. At Mothers' Union we are committed to offering support to families. We work with parents to help develop support and skills, giving them the confidence they need to do the most important job they will ever undertake.
What is the Mothers’ Union Parenting Programme?
Research reported by the National Children’s Bureau (1994) in Confident Parents, Confident Children showed that parents benefit most from groups where the facilitator has received some training in group facilitation. In response to this finding the Mothers’ Union developed a programme for Mothers’ Union members who facilitate parenting groups in a variety of settings, e.g. toddler groups, family centres, prisons, schools, churches, community centres, health centres and colleges. The course consists of four sections; pre-course Work, the taught course (this may be a residential weekend or a sessional), Facilitation of a Parenting Group and two pieces of written work.
The Purpose Of The Parenting Programme
To give Mothers’ Union members the skills to facilitate parenting groups. A network of those who have completed the Parenting Programme is established across the UK and Ireland, thus enabling the Mothers’ Union to strengthen and extend its encouragement of churches and local communities through the provision of volunteers trained to facilitate parenting groups.
How To Access The Parenting Programme
Courses are set up in response to requests from Mothers’ Union diocesan Trustees, enabling them to offer training to volunteers working in their area/diocese.
Anyone interested in attending a course, or setting up the course in their area, should either contact their Mothers’ Union diocesan Action and Outreach Co-ordinator, or the central Mothers’ Union (see end for contact details).
Useful resources for parents
We have put together a few helpful resources, offering practical advice to parents whatever stage you are at. Whether you are soon to be a parent or your children are heading into the teenage years, we hope these will give practical ideas & suggestions.
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Reg Charity No.240531
