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If you are pregnant or have young children, you may be familiar with the NCT, having taken part in one of their amazing antenatal birth preparation courses, but did you know that the NCT is a registered charity?
Their vision is that everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected, and safe because they believe parents help build the foundations of the future. Through their recently launched strategy, For Every Parent, their mission is to support people as they become parents.
Through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood:
- They create opportunities for parents to connect with others.
- They share evidence-based information that parents can trust.
- They empower parents to make decisions that are right for them.
- They listen to parents’ experiences and campaign to make things better.
- They build local capacity in communities so we can be there for parents, now and in the future.
As part of building that local capacity, each area has a local branch, run by dedicated volunteers, who provide a wealth of support, activities and events, supporting you and your new family from birth right up to preschool.
NCT Herts North is your local branch, covering the towns of Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage and Baldock. Run by a team of amazing volunteers, in conjunction with a breastfeeding counsellor and first aid trainer, the branch is here to support you on your journey through parenthood!
Without a doubt, one of the best things about the local branch is that all of the activities are open to everyone, you do not have to be an NCT member to participate. They are also usually free of charge (but we welcome donations!)
What's on?
NCT Baby Café
For those early days, making friends with new parents or seeking support with feeding your baby, our Bumps and Babies @ NCT Baby Café is your first stop. Running in Hitchin and Letchworth on alternate Tuesdays mornings at Christchurch and Mrs Howard Hall (check website for exact dates and times), Amy is on hand to answer any query, you might have, plus a hot drink and other parents to chat to.
Sling Library
If you are considering using a Sling, or carrier, but aren’t sure where to start, then make an appointment to come along to our Sling Library every first and third Friday of the month at Christchurch. If you have never heard of a Sling Library, then they are the perfect opportunity to try different baby carriers before you invest in one for you and your little one. In our library we have a selection of different types of carriers, from stretchy wraps to soft structured carriers suitable from newborn to toddler and our experienced sling library coordinators can help you find one that is comfortable for you and suitable for the age and stage of your baby. Book a place via the website.
And that’s not it! There are also social opportunities for all parents to join us, not just those with new babies!
Nature Tots
For the walkers and pre-schoolers we host our brilliant outdoor toddler group Nature Tots. Definitely suited to those who love exploring outside and splashing in puddles, the sessions are held on alternate Mondays (10.30 – 11.30am check website for exact dates) on Norton Common in Letchworth. Each session has a theme and includes a walk following a trail before meeting for craft and story time.
Babies Bricks and Play
If you prefer to be inside, and your little one loves Lego Duplo, then Then you could try Babies Bricks and Play, a monthly Saturday afternoon Lego Duplo based toddler group held at Hitchin Youth Trust on the 4th Saturday or each month – check the website for dates and to book!
All of the sessions currently offered have to be booked in advance, bookings are made via the website.
And if that wasn’t enough, we also offer First Aid courses, Nearly New Sales, and other events such as Easter Egg hunts, Summer fairs and Halloween discos….and we are always looking for new volunteers to support the branch!
If you would like to find out more, you can visit our website NCT North Herts or email [email protected], or give us a link on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
