National Childbirth Trust - South Gloucestershire Branch

 What is the NCT?

For fifty years the NCT has been helping parents through the amazing but often overwhelming experiences that accompany the birth of a child. Even if you never contact us directly, our members are working on your behalf to help smooth your transition into parenthood. Here in South Gloucestershire we are just one of around 400 branches, all run by volunteers from their own homes. Most of us are parents to young children ourselves, and enjoy giving a little of our time to ensure that all local families have access to the enormous resources offered by the NCT.

 Nationally, the NCT runs conferences and study days, undertakes and publishes the latest research, and campaigns for improvements in maternity services. It has over 100 representatives on key health authority committees. But the work doesn’t stop there, and each local branch does its best to provide the services most needed in its area. From post-natal courses to regular coffee mornings and social events, we seek to make the transition from pregnancy to early parenthood as smooth as possible. When you feel brave enough to leave your baby for a couple of hours, why not come along to one of our ‘Mums’ Nights Out’?

 We can also help you get a well-fitting bra, or lend you a breast pump, to make breastfeeding as enjoyable an experience as possible, and if you need more information or support you can turn to our breastfeeding counsellors. Through the NCT, you have access to a vast array of well-researched information on all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood, and with our experiences register the means to talk to people who understand exactly what you are going through.

Your local branch wants to offer you the services you most need, backed up by the national resources of the NCT. If there is something you feel we should be offering you, let us know. We are here to help if we can.

You do not need to be a member to benefit from any of the NCT’s services, or to join in our social activities – we are here for all parents or prospective parents. However, by becoming a member you are making a vital contribution. Without its members, the NCT simply would not exist. No NCT antenatal classes, no NCT postnatal support, no NCT campaigns to improve our maternity services. Your subscription may be the most important £39 (or £29 for renewals) you spend this year, benefiting not only you as an individual parent, but all parents throughout the UK. And remember, if you are on a low income you are entitled to join for just £1. What are you waiting for? In case you need more convincing, here are a few more reasons to become a member…      

Meet new friends

Wherever you live, there is a local NCT branch that puts you in touch with other parents. If you move to a new area, you have an easy way of meeting people and finding out about child-related resources. 

Receive regular newsletters and magazines

Branch newsletters are packed with all sorts of information: NCT events and activities, local community services and events, and entertaining and informative articles. NewGen, our national quarterly membership magazine, is full of well-researched articles on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. 

Vote at AGMs and attend committee meetings

Your vote counts! As a member you have the right to vote at the AGM, helping to influence the future direction of the charity. As a member you are welcome to attend branch committee meetings: be the first to find out what’s going on in your area, contribute opinions and ideas, and meet us all!

Stand for office, locally, regionally or nationally

Being a member of the NCT gives you the opportunity to take on a valuable role within the charity, whether helping to run your local branch or working within the wider infrastructure.

How can I join the NCT?

By phone – membership hotline 0870 9908040.

By internet: http://www.nct.org.uk/join