Powys Parenting Forum

Improving Access to Parenting Resources

The Parenting Forum met on 22 September 2025 to discuss ongoing work to improve parenting support across Powys. A major focus was the continued development of the Parenting section on the Powys website. Following feedback that the area was difficult to locate, an update was shared on accessibility improvements and introduced new posters featuring QR codes to help families and professionals access information more easily. These will be distributed across schools and community settings.

Expanded Online Information and Support

Forum members explored the expanding range of high-quality, Wales-specific resources now available online. This includes guidance on autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, assessment pathways and practical topics such as sleep and toileting. Virtual sessions—both live and recorded—continue to grow, offering flexible support options for parents.

Updates to the ‘What’s On’ Calendar

Enhancements to the ‘What’s On’ calendar were highlighted, with events now grouped by North, Mid and South Powys and key towns listed for clarity. Parents can browse activities across all regions, many of which are free. The calendar is updated regularly, particularly during busier periods, and posters continue to be shared through schools and community venues.

Support for Neurodivergent Families

A significant section of the meeting focused on identifying and addressing gaps in parenting support for neurodivergent (ND) families, particularly for children aged 8–13. Jayne (CAMHS) outlined findings from surveys and strategy reviews, with multi-agency work underway to source or develop appropriate programmes. Collaboration across health, local authority and the voluntary sector remains essential to avoid duplication and strengthen the offer for families.

Quality Assurance for Parenting Programmes

The group explored work on strengthening quality assurance across parenting groups. Kim emphasised the importance of facilitators having relevant ND experience and the value of peer support—both through local groups and informal networks. An update on progress was shared on creating consistent group leader standards, covering pre-course contact, expectations for delivery and post-session support. Parent feedback will continue to shape this work.

NEST Framework and Cross-Agency Practice

The Welsh Government’s NEST framework was introduced to the group, designed to ensure children, families and professionals experience nurturing, joined-up support. The group discussed practical challenges, particularly around communication between services, and learned how audit tools will help track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Next Steps

The Forum will explore holding an in person meeting in November. Members were also invited to attend a monthly peer support group to share information directly with parents.

Welcome and introductions

The meeting began with introductions from members, who shared their parenting backgrounds, roles, and reasons for attending the forum which included experiences with additional needs, home-schooling and advocacy.

Expectations

The group discussed and agreed on a set of guidelines for the forum, emphasizing confidentiality, a no-judgment environment, respecting other people’s opinions, active listening with one speaker at a time, and ensuring meetings remain enjoyable for attendees.

Powys Parenting Strategy – a brief overview

The forum's purpose is based around the Powys Parenting Strategy, this was discussed during the meeting, and the following information was shared:

• Actions from the Strategy include to review and improve support for families by evaluating current provisions, ensuring equality, and identifying development areas based on extensive consultation feedback.
• The consultation process for the strategy included surveys and events, gathering input from parents and professionals. Over 534 responses highlighted key family challenges such as anxiety and mental health, the need for better support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), smoother school transitions, guidance for parenting teenagers, and resources for internet safety.
• A multi-sector steering group oversees strategy development, with a dynamic action plan designed to adapt to evolving family needs and priorities.

Introduction to the parenting webpage

The group discussed Powys County Council website's parenting area, which provides information and resources for parents. Discussion also mentioned the council’s website as a whole. Participants noted navigation difficulties and suggested a more holistic, user-friendly website approach, emphasizing improved communication and accessible information for parents.

Next steps

The meeting concluded with follow-up tasks, including participants were asked to review the parenting webpage, and provide feedback on its usefulness and accessibility at the next meeting.

It was agreed that the next forum should be held before the summer holidays in July with a date and time to be agreed in due course.