North East Lincolnshire Family Hubs Volunteer Programme

North East Lincolnshire developed a volunteer programme to strengthen Best Start  Family Hubs through peer support and community capacity. Building on Sure Start learning, the aim was to increase engagement, support early intervention, and create pathways into employment for local residents. 

• Launched a 7-week structured training programme in September 2025 covering safeguarding, customer care, and employability skills. 
• Worked with partners (health, VCS, family services) to provide multi-agency insight and opportunities and to share information about their service and how they can support volunteers. 

Experience from Donna

“I am a dedicated professional and proud mother of two grown-up daughters. My personal and professional journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion and a deep commitment to supporting children, families and communities. My career began in 1999 when my children attended Nursery. I was invited by the headteacher to volunteer as part of the Sure Start Trailblazer programme, the first of its kind in the country. This opportunity became a turning point in my life, igniting a passion for working with children and families and giving me a strong sense of purpose that continues to guide my career.

Since then, North East Lincolnshire Council has supported me to achieve a wide range of qualifications and provided opportunities for career progression. I have successfully gained a Foundation Degree in Social Care and a Level 5 Management qualification, achievements of which I am incredibly proud. My mum and partner have also been extremely proud of what I have accomplished and understand how much it means to me—not only for my own development, but in enabling me to help others achieve their goals. I strongly believe that when parents are learning and developing, their children benefit too, gaining new skills and improved life chances.

In summary, my journey—from leaving school without qualifications to becoming a Practice Supervisor—reflects my determination, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. I am proud of what I have achieved and remain dedicated to supporting children, young people, and families to reach their full potential.

I always say to parents; “I can do this and so can you.”

• The seven week programme resulted in positive experiences and outcomes for attendees, including clear routes into volunteering, employment, and further learning.
• Delivered strong early results: 
  • Cohort 1: 5  people attended and completed; 3 are now volunteering in local families hubs; and 2 have moved into work or higher education.
  • The next cohort had 9 attend and complete; 8 progressing to volunteering in some capacity in Family Hubs, alongside other opportunities. 
• Attendees on the programme reflected on how it has given them the confidence to try something new, meet new people, raise aspirations and provide new experiences to move onto other work, volunteering or education opportunities. 

• Peer support is highly effective in engaging families.
• A structured approach improves confidence, completion, and outcomes.
• Partnership working expands opportunities and strengthens delivery.
• Volunteering can support both early help and workforce development and provide people with connections and confidence to explore other opportunities. 
• The importance of welcoming, friendly and engaging staff cannot be underestimated. 

• Invest in a clear, structured volunteering offer with progression routes
• Co-design with partners to maximise impact and ensure they are engaged from the start. 
• Focus on confidence-building and inclusion to engage diverse communities
• Use lived experience to inspire and sustain participation

Emma Kennedy (NELC) [email protected] 

Service Lead Best Start Family Hubs, Healthy Babies and Family Help