How church partnership works
We partner with churches and their community networks to run our evidence-informed parenting programmes for parents facing adversity, equipping them with confidence, community, and competency they need to enable their children to thrive.
Getting started
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to take your church/organisation on an exciting journey that will make a positive difference in your community, we’d love to take you through the steps that will enable you to partner with us:
Talk with us
Have a chat with our friendly Partnership Team about what it means to partner with us. Share with us about your church and what you are already doing to reach families facing disadvantages.
Application
We’ll guide you through the application process, ensuring you understand what’s required, the fee structure and any other questions you may have!
Get trained up
Send your volunteer facilitator(s) to our accredited training to become fully equipped to successfully run our parenting programmes.
Deliver the programme
It’s time to run your group! Get your team together, plan the dates and get going. And remember, you’re not on your own – help is always available via our experienced Support Coaches.
Your team
For a church partnership to work well, there are a number of roles that need to be fulfilled.
Kids Matter Rep
The Kids Matter Rep is the key contact between your church and Kids Matter. They will support the facilitator and champion Kids Matter, raising awareness of our programmes within the church leadership and congregation. This is with the aim of enabling the whole church to support families facing disadvantages through Kids Matter.
Facilitator
Gathering, hosting and facilitating Kids Matter groups is the core focus of the facilitator’s role. Through these groups, they will come alongside parents facing disadvantages to grow in confidence and be supported by their local community and local church. We train all facilitators and provide them with ongoing support.
Group helper
The group helper will assist the facilitator in the smooth running of the Kids Matter group. They will arrive early to help set up the room, greet guests and offer to make them a drink. During the sessions, they help to keep the conversation on topic, using their own examples where helpful, being sensitive to others’ needs, and encouraging at all times!
Crèche helper
This is a really important role. We recognise that for parents to fully engage with Kids Matter, providing a crèche facility to allow mums, dads and carers to fully focus on the session is vitally important. The crèche helper will provide a fun, safe place for the children of Kids Matter guests. Arriving early to set up the crèche space, they will greet and welcome each child, choosing suitable age-appropriate toys and activities.
Community links
We work in partnership with schools, community centres, health visitors, GPs etc. to enable more families to have access to Kids Matter’s programmes, giving more children in need the opportunity to thrive.
What next?
We’d love to talk with you about how we could partner together. If you’d like to explore this further, please contact us on partnership@kidsmatter.org.uk
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Our story
Kids Matter is a response to the growing impact of poverty on children. We believe it is possible to see children thrive even in difficult circumstances, if they have strong families.
Our programmes
All parents need support but our peer-led and accessible programmes have been written for families facing disadvantages, in the community or in prison.
Donate now
Giving a financial gift is a great way of partnering with us to see every child in need raised in a strong family, and your donation really will make a difference.