Here are just a few details about training with APUK - to find out more and join our email list contact us at facilitators@attachmentparenting.co.ukAPUK Group Facilitators are a nationwide community of parents committed to supporting others in understanding and practicing some or all aspects of attachment parenting principles.
What is an APUK group? It is an informal, supportive space. A place for parents to meet and discuss their experiences and share ideas related to attachment parenting practices.
It is a place where privacy and confidentiality are respected. It is a place of inclusivity where everyone is welcome and can talk openly.
It is a circle of friends. It is somewhere to talk, laugh, feel inspired, to discover new perspectives and find support and fellowship.
It is a source of information. An APUK meeting is a place to find APUK literature, and other up-to-date information supporting AP practices.
What are the pre-requisites for applying to become a Group Facilitator?Parenting Experience – we ask that applicants are parents, are supportive of the attachment parenting philosophy, demonstrate an empathetic and respectful attitude to their children and to others, are aware of the negative effects of baby training, are committed to practicing positive discipline, and are willing to develop nonviolent communication skills.
What are the benefits of affiliating with APUK?If you already run a group or are planning to start one, we are here to offer ongoing support, literature, confidence through training, an identity reflecting core values and ideas to help your group grow and thrive. Having an identity often helps people feel reassured in their expectations of a supportive environment. It also lends credibility when reaching out to the local and wider community. The network of APUK Group Facilitators is a unique resource in itself.
What does a Group Facilitator need to do?Responsibilities include:
• Planning the practicalities of meeting venue and schedule.
• Choosing discussion topics for meetings (and providing optional resources)
• Promoting the group on a local level and via social networking
• Supporting parents one-to-one by email and/or phone.
• Managing group finances.
• Making available APUK literature and materials.
• Optional: Create a book and sling library (reference or loan)
We encourage you to consider training with a co-facilitator so that tasks can be shared, but it is not a requisite for training – your co-facilitator may be a close friend or someone who attends and enjoys meetings! Your co-facilitator needs to be someone you trust and have confidence in. Co-facilitators often draw on their unique strengths for the benefit of the group and assign tasks according to their personal skills/enjoyment levels.
We believe monthly (or more regular) meetings are key to the success of a group and encourage you to plan a meeting at least once a month!
How long does the training take?Family first! Please bear this in mind during your application process. There are no set deadlines – we anticipate an application taking anything between
2-6 months but this is flexible and depends on your time and energy resources. Whatever your pace, feel reassured that we are here to support you both in training and once you are facilitating a group.
How will APUK assist Groups and Facilitators?By providing training.
By providing discounted training opportunities with national organisations supporting attachment parenting, including the
School of Babywearing,
Baby Calm and
Toddler Calm.By providing access to discounted slings and books for APUK libraries as well as promotions, competitions and discounts exclusive to APUK Group Facilitators.
By promoting the group on the
active APUK Facebook Fan page.
By providing a
county-by-county message forum to help parents make contact with each other locally and for you to promote your own group or start a new group.
By listing the support group on the regional search map
'Find a Group'page of the APUK website
By listing the Group Facilitator on the Facilitator Profile Page on the website (to be launched)
By providing literature on attachment parenting for each group’s use.
By providing updates on new research, guidelines and announcements.
By providing and administrating a closed Facebook group page exclusively for Facilitators as a discussion/resource hub.
By providing handouts to be used at group meetings as a resource for specific topics.
By referring new enquiries to each appropriate group.
By providing specific materials to prepare you should you be willing to work with the media.
By providing a contact person at APUK for ongoing personal support.