Access a collection of guidance, case studies, webinar recordings, templates and national resources to support the development and delivery of effective volunteer programmes within Family Hubs.
Webinars
Working with volunteers to build stronger communities
Accompanying slides available on our Knowledge Hub Recording & Slides: Working with volunteers to build stronger communities - Discussion - LGA National Centre for Family Hubs - Knowledge Hub
This webinar explored how engaging local communities and volunteers can strengthen Family Hub strategies, improve community connections and help more families access support. Speakers shared practical examples of successful volunteer and Parent Champion approaches in Camden, St Helens and Brent. The session highlighted how parent volunteers can widen engagement, support early years development and contribute to improving children’s school readiness and Good Level of Development (GLD). Contributions came from Jo Gordon (Daniel’s Den) and Ellie Grace (Coram Family and Childcare).
Building Effective Parent Carer Panels: A Guide for Family Hubs with examples from Coventry and Doncaster
Accompanying Slides available on our Knowledge Hub Recording & Slides: Building Effective Parent Carer Panels: A Guide for Family Hubs - Discussion - LGA National Centre for Family Hubs - Knowledge Hub
This webinar focused on how parent carer panels can help Family Hubs better meet the needs of local families through genuine collaboration rather than token consultation. Practitioners from Coventry and Doncaster shared practical advice on setting up and sustaining effective panels, including recruiting diverse parent voices, creating inclusive spaces for honest discussion and ensuring feedback leads to meaningful service improvements. The session also explored common challenges, lessons learned and real examples of impact from established panels.
Examples of Local Authorities Volunteer Programmes
Organisations
National Council for Voluntary Organisations
NCVO is the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England. Together we champion voluntary action.
Volunteering Matters
Volunteering Matters is a UK wide charity building stronger, inclusive communities through volunteering. Each year, over 12,000 volunteers support locally led projects that tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and empower people to lead change.
London Volunteer Directory
Volunteer Centres (VCs) and Councils for Voluntary Services (CVSs) are the two main types of infrastructure support organisations that exist to support volunteering and local frontline voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in London.
NHS Volunteering Service
NHS Volunteering is open to NHS organisations and community organisations that offer roles supporting NHS priorities. To advertise your opportunities, you'll need to complete an application form to open an account.
Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses
A government webpage setting out the Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses.
Coram Family and Childcare Volunteer Pathways
Parent Champions are parent volunteers who give a few hours a week to talk to other parents about the local services available to families. Coram Family and Childcare developed the Parent Champions programme in 2007 to help marginalised or isolated parents who miss out on vital information about how to access local family services.
The Parent Champions model is delivered by parents for parents, with the support of a local authority, children’s centre, school or local community organisation.
Citizens’ Advice Volunteering
The Citizens Advice rely on volunteers to deliver their service. They explain the benefits of volunteering.
National Careers Service- Volunteering Advice
Volunteering can help you make career choices. You can test out different jobs to find out what you prefer. You’ll also gain experience and develop soft skills that are useful in all careers.