Wirral parents transforming communities: new EPEC courses starting in January
Since the beginning of 2025, the Empowering Parents: Empowering Communities (EPEC) programme has been shaping stronger families in Wirral.
EPEC is a peer-led programme where parents help parents. The EPEC Being a Parent course is designed those with children aged 2-11, this is delivered by volunteers who use their lived experience to support others in creating a positive family environment. Backed by research and tested internationally, EPEC gives parents practical tools to improve family life, manage stress, and develop positive parenting skills.
The Wirral parents that have taken our Parent Group Leader course have now gone on to deliver the ‘Being a Parent’ programme to their peers, creating a ripple effect by using their own experiences to support and empower other families, building confidence and reducing the isolation parents often feel. With courses taking place throughout the year, Wirral’s network of Parent Group Leaders continues to grow.
It’s quite awe-inspiring hearing some of the stories and seeing the support they are actually giving each other. Rather than a professional standing in front of people, it’s so much more powerful coming from the mouths of their peers and other parents. They are just an absolute celebration.
We’re committed to helping families and making sure that all children in Wirral get the best start in life. We’ve put a number of initiatives in place across our Family Hubs to help build communities and create spaces for people to support each other. it’s great to hear about the positive impact these courses are having for families across the borough.
If you think you could use your experience as a parent to help others, or you would like to get expert tips and strategies from those who know…because they’ve been there…then we’d love to have you on board!
A new round of EPEC courses is due to start in the New Year:
Being a Parent
This is a free, practical programme designed for mums, dads, and carers of children aged 2–11 years.
The course offers a welcoming space to share experiences, learn practical tips, and build confidence together. For parents, by parents—people who truly get it.
Why Parents Love It
It makes you realise that you are doing things right in your life and that you are a normal parent. This course is really beneficial for parents from different communities. It makes sure that they have equal access to tools that can help and motive them.
It’s not just learning techniques and why certain behaviours happen. For me, it was a group of people I could go to and say how I was really feeling. Everyone else would then say, ‘You know what, I had a similar issue,’ and you instantly don’t feel alone.
For me, the impact of the course can be just knowing that you’re not alone. It’s such a lonely time being a parent sometimes.
What You’ll Gain
This 8-week course is packed with practical advice to help you:
- Manage your child’s behaviour positively
- Handle stress—for you and your family
- Understand and manage emotions
- Improve communication, listening, and play skills
- Build stronger parent-child relationships
Want to Go Further? Become a Parent Group Leader
Our volunteers are the heart of our Family Hubs and our EPEC programme. They keep groups running and create real change in local communities.
I actually went to the Being a Parent course. After I saw how beneficial it was, I thought—why not help others?
I found that I had all this experience, and I wanted to put it into something that would benefit other children.
Becoming a Parent Group Leader means:
- Learning valuable skills in parenting, child development, and community leadership
- Boosting your confidence and career prospects
- Joining a passionate network of parents making a difference
Training is delivered over 10 weeks during term time, and once qualified, you’ll run up to two courses per year with full support from our EPEC team.
Ready to Join or want to know more?
Email: familyhubs@wirral.gov.uk
Call: 0151 666 3559
Visit: wirral.gov.uk/epec
