Released on: 18 May 2012

The Government has announced plans to deliver free classes for parents in three areas of the country. NCT is among the organisations which will be delivering the classes from this summer. The trials will take place in Camden in London, Middlesbrough and High Peak in Derbyshire. Over the next two years, all mothers, fathers and carers in the trial areas with children aged five and under will be entitled to a voucher covering the cost of a programme of classes.

Meanwhile, the NHS has launched a new information service, enabling parents and parents-to-be to sign up to receive regular free emails, videos and text messages offering advice and information based on the stage of their pregnancy and the first few weeks of their child’s life.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, said:
 
“Supporting parents to feel more confident in their role is at the heart of what NCT stands for, so we are delighted to be involved in this new trial of parenting classes and to see the launch of a new parent-centred information service from the NHS.
 
“NCT will deliver courses in the three trial areas, including baby specific courses for parents with children aged under six months.
 
“We believe a child’s early years and the influence of their parents make a huge difference to their future and the society they help to shape. Many new mums and dads feel being a parent should come naturally, and it does, but support in the early weeks, months and years can help enhance the learning process around all sorts of issues from crying and sleep to changes in relationships – not to mention making it more fun, as you meet other people starting out on the same journey to share it with.
 
“What mums and dads have told us over the decades is that being a parent can bring challenges and changes as well as excitement and fulfilment. We are delighted to help the new NHS Information Service provide much-needed information focused on parents’ most common questions and concerns.
 
“Through our classes, helpline and free evidence-based information, NCT supports over two million parents each year through their journey to becoming a parent, and have been instrumental in helping dads, as well as mums, play a key role in early family life.”

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