The annual Parent Champions Awards recognise and celebrate the work of Coram Family and Childcare’s Parent Champion volunteers and co-ordinators, who support parents in their communities to access local family services. Over 400 people currently volunteer as Parent Champions nationally, reaching more than 100,000 families in the last year.
The Parent Champions Best Newcomer Award 2026 winner is Bethany Pegg, from Blackburn with Darwen (BwD).
Since completing her training as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Parent Champion, Bethany has made an extraordinary impact in a remarkably short period of time, demonstrating confidence, creativity, and leadership.
Bethany has successfully established and delivered a SEND Saturday Club and SEND holiday activities, responding directly to unmet need within the community, and has delivered a range of thoughtful, inclusive activities for SEND children and families. She is also working collaboratively with Family Hubs to bring a SEND play bus to the hub over the summer, expanding access and opportunity for even more families.
Cathy Reilly, SEND Parent Champions Co-ordinator, said:
“I am incredibly proud to congratulate Bethany on this highly deserved Coram national award. Blackburn with Darwen has also been recognised again nationally with nominations for Co-ordinator of the Year, Biggest Impact and Scheme of the Year, reflecting the strength of our programme.
“Our SEND Parent Champions are making a real difference for families, and I encourage everyone to follow Bethany’s journey via the ‘BwD Family Hubs’ and ‘BwD SEND Family Support’ Facebook pages. Huge thanks also go to all our volunteers, alongside Maria Nugent and Best Start in Life Family Hubs, for their continued funding and support.”
“Together, we are beginning to close the gap in support for SEND children and helping families feel less alone on their journey.”
Bethany shared:
“It was a huge surprise to be recognised with the ‘Best Newcomer’ award for my work as a SEND Parent Champion and with BwD SEND Family Support. This award isn’t just for me — it reflects the incredible support around me. Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, from volunteers, families, businesses and community members to those who have supported with venues, donations, and advice. I’m also so grateful to my fellow SEND Parent Champions and co-ordinators for their encouragement, and to my family, friends, and husband for always being there. I couldn’t have achieved this without you all — thank you.”
“I became a volunteer because, as a mum to my 6-year-old son Antony, who has Autism, I experienced first-hand the lack of local sessions, respite care and events available for children in his age group. As he was growing up, I often felt isolated and unsure where to turn for support.
“Everything changed when I met Cathy at a local SEND event, where she was promoting the Local Offer and recruiting SEND Parent Champions. She was incredibly kind and supportive, and quickly became an important part of my support network.
“Since becoming a SEND Parent Champion, I have loved every minute of supporting families within the local community. The knowledge, confidence and training I gained inspired me to create my own group where we host seasonal events and activities in community centres and family hubs. Together, we are beginning to close the gap in support for SEND children aged 0–8 and helping families feel less alone on their journey.”
Parent Champions National Network
The Parent Champions programme transforms the lives of families as well as the lives of Parent Champion volunteers.
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