MoorMums spoke to Eleanor who leads the Wharfedale branch of the NCT.
NCT has had a reputation for being a rather middle-class organization, yet we want many more parents to be able to access the support and friendship that so many have gained through antenatal and postnatal courses, bumps and babies groups and much more. NCT has grown, doubling in size since the last strategy was launched in 2005, but is looking to reach out further in the coming years.
Eleanor from NCT Wharfedale
The new strategy includes a focus on growth, so that everyone has the chance to make use of our support, more emphasis on ‘thought leadership’ to create a change in public opinion, services and policy which benefits all parents, and partnership, working with a wider network of organisations and services to benefit all parents.
How can we make this happen in and around Wharfedale? You can make a difference!
With more members and supporters, we can reach more parents in the early days with their new babies, offering friendship and practical help and support. The funds we raise through our activities will help to make this possible. Our Nearly New Sales, in March and September are our biggest fundraisers and have gained a reputation for being well-organised and enjoyable, with the bonus of delicious cakes in the café when you’ve finished shopping! You can save money and reduce waste too.
Help other local mums
Would you like to give something back to your community and make friends at the same time? We’d love to be more active, offering bumps, babies and toddler groups in our area, starting small and seeing how they grow. Could you offer a couple of hours a week, befriending others and making drinks? It can make a big difference to an expectant or new mum.
Boost your CV
We’re always looking out for volunteers for the branch team, too. Are you a writer or designer or do you have experience in marketing, advertising or events? Your NCT branch can be a great place to develop your skills, try out new things, and boost your CV, too! Maternity leave can be a great time to try something new, that’s family friendly and helps others at the same time. Dads and grandparents are more than welcome to get involved, too.
To see NCT’s strategy in full please go to http://www.nct.org.uk/about-nct/nct-2020-strategy
All NCT activities are open to members and non-members. We offer a breastfeeding session as part of our antenatal courses as well as free postnatal feeding support to anyone who needs it, whether you’ve attended NCT courses or not, through local breastfeeding counsellors and the national helpline. Parents using only, or some, infant formula, are welcome to call with questions and concerns too and will be offered the same invaluable, non-judgemental support.
More information
If you’d like to know more, please call Eleanor on 01943 884096, email us or take a look at our website or Facebook page.