Released on: 05 January 2024
NCT is sad to learn that former NCT President, Barbara Kott, sadly passed away on 21 December 2023.
Barbara set up her own local NCT branch in Kingston-Upon-Thames back in 1976 following the birth of her first child. Her passion for supporting pregnant women and expectant parents grew from there, and just two years later Barbara qualified as an NCT Antenatal Teacher. From teaching she became a Tutor, and by the mid 1980s was chairing the NCT’s National Teachers Panel.
She became NCT President in 1995 and was the charity’s figurehead until 2000. During that time, she attended meetings throughout the UK including at the Houses of Parliament. Her work also took her to Australia and Russia, where she was invited to work with fellow health professionals.
She retired as an NCT Tutor in September 2011 and as an NCT Antenatal practitioner in 2015.
Paying tribute to Barbara, NCT Chair, Stephanie Maurel, said: “Barbara made a significant impact during her many years at NCT. Her vision for supporting women during pregnancy and birth clearly shone through, from her own experience right up to her work internationally on behalf of new parents. Her work included partnering with UNICEF, as well as passionate championing of empowerment for pregnant women in the decision-making process during birth. On behalf of the Board of Trustees we send our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family at this time.”
Angela McConville, NCT Chief Executive added: “We have lost a valued member of our NCT community, and I know many current and former trustees, staff, practitioners and volunteers will be deeply saddened by the news of Barbara’s passing. She was a committed feminist and a passionate and courageous advocate of ensuring parents were well informed and supported throughout their pregnancy journey. Barbara was also a shining example to many of us, using lived experiences to help many other new and expectant parents across her almost 40 years of involvement in NCT. She made a significant contribution to our work and charitable mission and stood up for parental rights across the world. We are forever grateful for her valuable contribution and commitment to NCT.”
