Shared Parenting Scotland Expands Volunteer Network with Inverness Training

Shared Parenting Scotland has taken another step towards strengthening support for families across Scotland, bringing its latest volunteer and court lay supporter training to Inverness.

The full-day session, held at YMCA Inverness on 10 November 2026, welcomed local volunteers keen to help parents and grandparents navigating the family court system and the challenges of separation.

The training forms part of the charity’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more accessible network of volunteers and lay supporters across Scotland – particularly in areas where demand for support is high.

Building local support where it is needed

Court lay supporters provide practical assistance and reassurance to people representing themselves in family court proceedings. Similar to the McKenzie Friend system in England and Wales, they can offer quiet guidance, providing support during what is often an unfamiliar and/or stressful experience.

Through its national helpline, Shared Parenting Scotland is aware of the significant demand for support across the Highlands and Islands. Requests for lay supporter assistance are already exceeding the number of trained volunteers available, making local recruitment and training an important priority.

By developing volunteers who understand their own communities, the charity aims to make support more accessible while building lasting local networks.

Looking ahead to 2027

The Inverness session is part of a wider programme of volunteer development and outreach, with further training opportunities planned across Scotland in 2027.

Shared Parenting Scotland also intends to launch new local group meetings in Inverness and Dumfries next year, creating opportunities for parents and families to connect, share experiences and access peer support closer to home.

Ahead of these meetings, additional lay supporter training will take place in Dumfries, helping prepare prospective group hosts and peer supporters to take an active role in their communities.

An improved online booking system for meetings, training and events is also due to launch before the end of 2026, making it easier for people to find and access support. A full calendar of upcoming activities will be published soon.

Growing a network of people helping people

David McLean, Business Development Lead at Shared Parenting Scotland, who helped deliver the Inverness training, welcomed the enthusiasm of those attending:

“What really stood out in Inverness was the willingness of local people to step forward and help others. We know from our helpline just how much demand there is for support across the Highlands and Islands, and having trained volunteers rooted in these communities can make a real difference.

Mr Maclean went on,

“This is about more than a single training day. We’re building the foundations for lasting local support, including new group meetings next year. It’s an exciting time for Shared Parenting Scotland and it’s encouraging to see people coming forward to help us reach more families, in more places.”

Interested in volunteering or becoming a court lay supporter?

Keep an eye on the Shared Parenting Scotland website for upcoming training opportunities, local group meetings and details of how to get involved in 2027.

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