**Now recruiting new volunteers**
Are you, or do you know, someone who is empathetic and can support families in a non-judgemental way? Join us in 2026 – apply by 1st February to train this Spring!

Although we use the term “breastfeeding” this can be interchanged with “chestfeeding” in any situation it applies to.

Would you like to join the Treasure Chest team and help support families to meet their breastfeeding goals?

Katherine, one of our volunteer Peer Supporters, said “It’s so good to be able to support parents in making informed choices that are right for them.  And there’s no feeling like seeing a family leave the group looking happier than when they came in!”

Two of our fantastic Peer Supporters joined Emma Pickett’s (IBCLC) Podcast all about their experiences, you can listen to ‘Makes Milk’ on Spotify.

Being a Peer Supporter is incredibly rewarding and the training course will suit people who feel strongly about breastfeeding, who have breastfed for at least 6 months, and who want to help other parents to breastfeed.

The course itself is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about breastfeeding and make new friends in the process. Training is given by experienced Peer Supporters, and covers a wide range of topics related to breastfeeding, early parenting and listening skills.

If you are interested in training with us please fill in our application form. Once you’ve filled out your application form, please send the link of our reference request form to the people you’ve chosen to provide a reference for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a volunteer Peer Supporter

Breastfeeding Peer Supporters provide a valuable role to new and expectant families. Volunteers give up their time to offer support and up-to-date information to families who may be experiencing breastfeeding issues or who just need some external support from someone who has been there and understands what breastfeeding is like.

Who can apply to become a Peer Supporter?
Our only requirement is that you must have breastfed your baby for at least 6 months (continuously). This includes feeding expressed breastmilk and combination feeding. We are happy to accept applications from parents of any age – you do not need to currently have a baby or young child. It doesn’t matter whether you found breastfeeding easy and straightforward or if you struggled and had lots of problems; all we ask is that you are passionate about breastfeeding and wish to support families in a non-judgement, empathetic way. Places on our training courses are limited and will be allocated to those who our committee feel will be most suited to the training.

What does the training involve?
Our Peer Supporter training course typically consists of 5 x 2-hour sessions spread across three months in York. In Spring 2026, these will be on Wednesday mornings, 9.30-11.30am at Acomb Methodist Church. The full schedule is on the application form. Training is given by experienced Peer Supporters.

The course covers areas such as how breastfeeding works, how to tackle common breastfeeding problems and counselling and listening skills. The sessions involve group discussions, role play and lots of practical exercises. Trainees are also encouraged to debrief about their own breastfeeding experiences which may also cover giving birth. There may be triggering topics in the training, so if you are still processing your birth and parenting experiences it might not be the right time to train with us.

Alongside the face-to-face sessions, you will study the ABM’s Peer Supporter course, which is online, self-led learning over 12 weeks.

What if I can’t make all of the training sessions on the course?
If an absence is unavoidable then our trainers will discuss ways of catching up on your training with you.

Can I bring my baby/child to the training sessions, and when I’m volunteering? Only babes-in-arms are welcome to join us at the training sessions, and when you’re volunteering. We’ve found that keeping an eye on an active, mobile older baby or toddler makes it difficult to focus on the training, and on the families you’re helping. If the costs of childcare during training sessions would be a barrier to you doing the training then please contact us to discuss in confidence.

What happens when I’ve finished my training?
All newly trained Peer Supporters will be volunteering with other more experienced Peer Supporters, and will have already been attending groups as a trainee.

How much time will I need to spend volunteering once I’ve trained?
You are committing to 4 hours per month for at least 2 years. Some Peer Supporters do more than this if they are able.

Can I become a Peer Supporter if I work full time?
It might be difficult to fulfill your volunteering requirements if you work full time, but some employers may give you time off for volunteering.

What ongoing support will I receive as a Peer Supporter?
We offer regular update training sessions and all Peer Supporters are expected to attend at least 2 of these per year in order to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. We have a closed Facebook group for Peer Supporters where you can ask any questions and discuss any issues. If you need to speak to someone privately then you are welcome to contact a member of the committee.

How can I apply to become a Peer Supporter?
Information about current courses can be found above. You will be required to complete an application form and provide two references. All Peer Supporters are subject to a DBS check.

Who can I ask to provide me with a reference?

Please ask people you have known for a year or more, and have preferably seen you interact with other parents and babies. You could ask the leader of a playgroup/baby activity you attend. Family or friend references are not accepted.

Have another question?
If you have any other questions about training to become a Peer Supporter or what being a Peer Supporter involves then please email us at treasurechestyork@gmail.com