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NU Parents\u2019 Network is a network for all parents at Newcastle University, including students. They aim to build and oversee an interactive and supportive network for parents and to be a voice for parents with children of all ages at institutional level.<\/em><\/p>\n I spoke to Helen Elliott, a Project and Programme Coordinator\u00a0and Chair of NU Parents\u2019 Network, to find out more about why the network is important.<\/em><\/p>\n How did the Parents\u2019 Network first come about?<\/strong><\/p>\n The network was first founded in 2015, but was recently reinvigorated based on the Parenting and Childcare Review which the University is in the process of undertaking. The Review showed a clear desire for a network to support parents and share information with each other. These findings motivated us to build up the network and make it a real presence within the University.<\/p>\n Last year, we appointed a brand new steering group, with male and female representatives, to shape and run the network. We also had a large relaunch event and set out a great program of activities which begin this September.<\/p>\n Why do you feel the network is important?<\/strong><\/p>\n I found returning to work from maternity leave really daunting and wanted a place where I was able share information with other parents (such as information about childcare vouchers) and make connections with parents going through similar experiences. I hope this is what the network will be for its members, and that it will provide all parents, irrespective of age or gender, with a sense of solidarity and support.<\/p>\n What have you got planned for the upcoming year?<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ve got a lot of exciting events and activities planned, including:<\/p>\n To find out more about these events, please sign up for our mailing list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where do you hope to see NU Parents\u2019 Network going in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n We all really want the network to be something that people are excited about and really want to be a part of. We want to provide a space our members can turn to for support. It\u2019s also really important to us that everyone has a say and that we have as much collaboration and feedback as possible on events.<\/p>\n In the future, we\u2019re hoping to develop subnetworks, which will group parents with similar aged children, to offer greater support and understanding. We\u2019re also looking at potentially creating a parenting calendar, to share events at the University and in the local community that would be of interest to parents, such as half-term activities like the coding for children event run by the School of Computer Science. Finally, we\u2019re looking to develop a system of benefits for our members, such as retail discounts.<\/p>\n If you think all this sounds exciting, click here<\/a> to find out more about how to get involved with what NU Parent\u2019 Network has got coming up. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NU Parents\u2019 Network is a network for all parents at Newcastle University, including students. They aim to build and oversee an interactive and supportive network for parents and to be a voice for parents with children of all ages at institutional level. I spoke to Helen Elliott, a Project and Programme Coordinator\u00a0and Chair of NU … Continue reading NU Parents\u2019 Network<\/span> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/fmsdiversity\/files\/2018\/10\/Parents-Network-Helen-Elliott-300x300.jpg\")
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