Parents and carers received recognition for training in navigating public services for young people, writes Rebekah Samuel

A group of people standing holding certificates — Image courtesy REIN

A group of parents and carers received certificates and gift cards on 27th January following successful completion of the Parent/Carer Champion Network (PCCN) project which began in September 2023.

The project, funded by the London Mayor’s office for Policing and Crime and the Violence Reduction Unit, was set up by Rights and Equalities in Newham (REIN) and Get Real Youth Services, both local voluntary and community sector organisations in Newham with many years’ experience in youth and community-based activities, to improve current work between parents/carers and statutory services, by creating champions to advocate on behalf of children and young people.

Prity Patel-Bedia, Community Development Officer at REIN explained: “We understand that investing in the future means investing in our young people. We developed an outreach plan to engage local parents/carers to become better informed through a series of community training workshops looking at how to navigate the Education and Youth services, Health and Social Care and Youth Justice System.”

The champions spoke of “eye opening training” and welcoming the opportunity to “support more parents and signpost them to reputable organisations.” Nadina Smith, Project Manager at REIN, expressed gratitude to the group of parent/carer champions now in place, calling them “amazing, committed and resilient”.

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