Volunteer

About Peer Support Volunteering in Hackney

NCT is commissioned by Hackney Council to train and coordinate parents who have breastfed to provide skilled, volunteer parent-to-parent infant feeding support across the Hackney area. 

As a peer supporter, you'll become part of a welcoming community dedicated to helping parents feel confident, connected and supported during pregnancy and early parenthood. Using your own experience alongside the skills and knowledge gained through training, you'll make a real difference to families at an important time in their lives. In return, you'll gain valuable skills, build confidence, meet like-minded people and become part of a supportive local volunteer network. 

We provide peer support through three main routes:

• At Homerton Hospital Maternity Ward
  Supporting parents in the hours and days after birth, often during their first experiences of breastfeeding. Offering a listening ear, sharing information on a range of infant feeding topics and helping parents connect with local support services once they leave hospital.
• By telephone
  Supporting parents within 48 hours of discharge home from hospital. Offering support over the phone, a listening ear, information and signposting to local support options.
• At peer-led support groups
  Supporting parents at one of our weekly local groups across Hackney. These free drop-in groups are open to all pregnant and breastfeeding families. Peer supporters offer a listening ear, share information on a range of topics and help create opportunities for friendship, connection and community support.

To help you feel confident and prepared in your volunteer role, we provide a comprehensive seven-week online training programme. The course is designed to fit around family life and combines interactive learning with independent study and workbook activities, usually taking around one hour per week.

On successful completion of the programme and workbook, you'll achieve an OCN-accredited qualification in Peer Supporting, giving you valuable skills that can benefit both your volunteering journey and future opportunities.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Are a parent.
• Have breastfed for at least three months.
• Can commit to the seven-week training programme.
• Are passionate about supporting other families and can volunteer for approximately two hours per week as a breastfeeding peer supporter for at least six months after completing the training.

This is a rewarding opportunity to:

• Gain a recognised qualification.
• Build new skills and confidence.
• Meet and connect with other parents.
• Share your lived experience to help others.
• Make a real difference in your local community.

If you're passionate about supporting other parents and want to turn your experience into something truly meaningful, we'd love for you to apply!

Also, if you have any questions, please email the peer support team at hackneysupport@nct.org.uk