Blackburn with Darwen is celebrating a major national achievement as its SEND Parent Champion scheme, (supported by Family Hubs), gains another recognition at the Coram National Parent Champions Awards.
For the second time in a row one of our parent champions has been recognised for their outstanding work supporting families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Parent Champions Best Newcomer Award has been awarded to Bethany Pegg from Blackburn with Darwen. This award recognises new Parent Champion volunteers who have made significant progress or impact since joining the scheme.
The winners of Coram Family and Childcare’s Parent Champions Awards 2026 were announced in May.
Head of Early Years & Community Development, Maria Nugent, said
“Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is incredibly proud of Bethany’s outstanding achievement. In a very short time, she has made a significant difference for SEND families across the borough, her initiative, dedication and ability to turn lived experience into meaningful action make her a highly deserving Best Newcomer, and her work is already making a tangible difference for SEND children and families.”
Bethany has successfully established and delivered a SEND Saturday Club and SEND holiday activities, responding directly to unmet need within the community, and has delivered a range of thoughtful, inclusive and highly appropriate activities for SEND children and families.
She is also working collaboratively with Family Hubs to bring a SEND play bus into local communities over the summer, expanding access and opportunity for even more families.
Bethany said:
“It was a huge surprise to be recognised with the ‘Best Newcomer’ award for my work as a SEND Parent Champion and with BwD SEND Family Support. This award isn’t just for me — it reflects the incredible support around me. Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, from volunteers, families, businesses and community members to those who have supported with venues, donations, and advice. I’m also so grateful to my fellow SEND Parent Champions and co-ordinators for their encouragement, and to my family, friends, and husband for always being there. I couldn’t have achieved this without you all — thank you.”
Bethany’s work reflects the wider SEND Parent Champion approach in Blackburn with Darwen, which focuses on building capacity, confidence and connection with parents of children with SEND. By investing in parent leadership and supporting parents to move from lived experience to collective influence, the SEND Champion model strengthens parent voice, encourages peer support and helps ensure that services are shaped by what matters most to families.
The annual Parent Champions Awards recognise and celebrate the work of Coram Family and Childcare’s Parent Champion volunteers and coordinators, who support parents in their communities to access local family services. Over 400 people currently volunteer as Parent Champions nationally, reaching more than 100,000 families in the last year.
There are five categories of award and Blackburn with Darwen also won two of these in 2025. Winner of the Volunteer of the Year – Biggest Impact, Diane Price and Winner of the Volunteer of the Year – Best Newcomer, Sarah Sumner both making significant impacts since joining.
To find out more about Coram Family and Childcare’s Parent Champions Awards 2026, visit: Coram Family and Childcare announces 2026 Parent Champions Award winners.