NCT Glossop still supporting local parents and carers

Volunteers from Glossop's branch of the UK's largest charity for parents are still working hard to support local mums, dads and carers amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

NCT Glossop - the local branch of the National Childbirth Trust - ran three baby groups a week in Glossop and Hadfield before the current crisis began. 

It also held two Nearly New Sales which allowed parents to sell second-hand baby items and shoppers to purchase good quality products at a fraction of the full cost. There was also antenatal courses held locally for new parents to meet. 

The aim of the groups is to provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment to all parents and carers. The Thursday group has been held at the Central Methodist Church on Chapel Street for over 10 years and all the groups run on donations of just £1.50 per family.

Since lockdown began, NCT Glossop Branch Coordinator Stacey Hodkinson and group volunteer Shauna Taylor have been running two live activities a week including crafts, stories and songs, and also three messenger rooms for any parents or carers who need a chat. 

Shauna reading a story to children via Facebook

They, along with many other volunteers, are checking in with families via Facebook to keep people connected. 

Chika Jones from the branch said: “I’m not from Glossop so when I became a new mum, while it was very exciting, it was also very daunting. Meeting fellow mums with children of similar age was a lifeline and knowing I could always rely on there being a baby group I could go to helped immensely. Eight years ago I met my little mummy tribe thanks to the NCT baby group.

Chika (right) at one of the NCT Glossop Nearly New Sales

“While the baby groups still cannot be held, the many volunteers are still working hard to keep parents connected online. As we approach the summer months where schools will stop providing school work, NCT Glossop will continue to hold weekly chats to provide parents with a bit of grown up conversation and fun crafts for the little ones.” 

To find out more, visit the NCT Glossop website at https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups/region-north-west-england/glossop-and-district or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nctglossop/