Parent Champions Biggest Impact Award 2025

The annual Parent Champions Awards recognise and celebrate the work of Parent Champions volunteers and coordinators. Coram Family and Childcare’s 41 Parent Champion schemes reach almost 50,000 families a year (2023/24). Thanks to the amazing work of more than 350 Parent Champions volunteers, parents and carers are supported by their peers in their own communities.

The winner of the Parent Champions Biggest Impact Award 2025 is Diane Price from Blackburn.

This award recognises the Parent Champions volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding levels of dedication, enthusiasm and team work.

Diane was nominated by her colleague Cathy who says:

“Diane has had an extraordinary impact on our SEND community over the last year. She has consistently gone above and beyond in her role as a SEND Parent Champion, not only through tireless efforts in reaching out to isolated parents but also by developing innovative strategies that have allowed us to connect with even the most hard-to-reach families”.

Diane recognised that many SEND parents in her community felt disconnected from local services due to language barriers, transport difficulties, or a lack of awareness. In response, she created a simple yet highly effective ‘Let's Talk’ session that allowed parents to meet, share experiences, and receive guidance. This initiative has been a lifeline for many, with attendance growing steadily, especially among parents who previously felt marginalised. Diane has supported families making Personal Independence Payment (PIP) funding applications, and makes home visits to those who due to mental health challenges, can’t leave their home. Her SEND knowledge and experience is incredible.

Diane explains why she wanted to get involved as a volunteer:                                     

"I am driven and passionate about making a difference to the lives of families of children with SEND. My vast knowledge and experience enables me to work effectively with families, providing excellent outcomes. The additional training and support from Coram has enhanced my skills and expertise."

On receiving this award Diane says:

“I was absolutely delighted to receive this award and will continue in my volunteering role working as a SEND Parent Champion.”

Diane’s empathetic approach always makes parents and carers feel listened too, believed, valued and heard. She has led a series of monthly virtual support meetings for isolated parents and families, and developed a partnership offer with 35 local schools to offer this session to SEND parents. 

She has helped to recruit, train and mentor new SEND Parent Champions, providing them with the tools to reach out to isolated parents and build trusting relationships. 

Diane advocates on behalf of isolated parents in local meetings, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. 

Cathy says “Diane’s dedication, innovation, and compassionate approach have made a lasting difference to many families in our community”.