Jo Miskin
Parent Talk Manager, Action for Children
Jo Miskin, Parent Talk Manager, talks about Action for Children’s dedicated parenting advice service and how vital it is.
How did this parenting advice service start?
Action for Children’s Parent Talk service was designed with parents and carers in mind. We knew there was a need for one-to-one support, and we wanted to provide free online help from trained family support workers. We’ve grown since launching in 2020. Last year, we reached over 500,000 parents and carers.
Who can use the service, and where can they find it?
You can find Parent Talk at parent-talk.org.uk — anyone with a child aged 0–19 can use the service. Parents or carers of children and young adults aged up to 25 with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional needs can access the service, too. The service is completely free.
We believe parents are the experts, so we’re
here to help them explore and unpack things.
How does the online service help?
I think the most valuable thing we can do for parents is to provide a listening ear. It’s nice to know you’re not alone. We believe parents are the experts, so we’re here to help them explore and unpack things — to be curious.
There are also articles for parents to read in their own time. We understand parents may not have the time to talk to someone at that moment. So, whether you’re looking for help with your toddler’s sleep or how to support your child with their mental health, we have guides to help.
What’s your favourite thing about the service?
That we are inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you are in the UK, we’re here for you — ready to help whenever you need it.
What are the future plans for Parent Talk?
As the need for our service grows, we’d like to expand. We’re evolving and listening to the different problems parents face and working hard to support them in the best way we can.
Leaving a gift in your will to Action for Children can help services like Parent Talk continue to support children, young people and families across the UK.
Read more: actionforchildren.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/
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Registered charity nos. 1097940/SCO38092. Company no. 04764232