A NEW family support group is set to hold its first event later this month.

An Andover National Childbirth Trust (NCT) branch has launched and the committee is looking ahead to providing families with a support network and social events in the area.

Katherine Bird, co-coordinator of the branch, pictured, said: “I am delighted Andover now has its own NCT branch, to offer support to families with young children. 

“A number of other services have been forced to close, so I am hoping that the NCT will offer information, support to families, and events for parents and babies to meet up. We are getting ready for our first Nearly New Sale, and are planning for our second Family Fun Day later in the year.”

The branch’s first charity fundraiser, a table top nearly new sale, is to take place on Sunday, 25 February at St Paul’s Church Hall. 

Ann Barter, NCT south central regional volunteer, said: “NCT was a lifeline to me when we had our first baby, no family nearby and having moved to Andover for employment my friends were all working.

“With a baby who thought life was far too exciting to sleep, the NCT with its groups, activities, fun and friendship kept me sane.

“I have made some wonderful friends over the years through the NCT and am delighted that the branch is returning.” 

There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in volunteering; either at fundraisers, coffee mornings or on the branch committee. 

Paula Martin, NCT breastfeeding counsellor, said: “The support I received from the mums in the local NCT when I was negotiating the early days with a new baby was invaluable; just to know that I could go to a coffee morning or a bumps and babies group and know that there were people there who would understand and I could relax.

“I later trained to be a breastfeeding counsellor and received amazing training and a career where I can still support parents in those first few days and weeks. 

“I am so thrilled that we now have a new Andover NCT for parents and parents-to-be in Andover.” 

To book a table at the Nearly New Sale, email andovernct@gmail.com.
For more information, go to Andover’s NCT branch on Facebook at facebook.com/AndoverNCT/.