RUN by local parents, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers support, information and friendship to new parents and parents-to-be across Basingstoke and Deane.

Whether you're expecting a baby or you already have a family with young children, the NCT Basingstoke has a lot to offer you providing support 24/7 and local daily groups.

Basingstoke NCT covers Basingstoke, Cliddesden, North Waltham, Oakley, Overton, Whitchurch, Tadley, Ashford Hill, Baughurst, Pamber Heath, Bramley and Old Basing.

Services include signature antenatal classes; relax, stretch and breathe classes for women during pregnancy (suitable from 12 weeks of pregnancy); Refresher Antenatal Courses for couples expecting their second or subsequent baby; waterbirth workshops for couples interested in using water during labour.

Early days courses for mums with young babies; introducing solids workshops for those with babies between four and six months; and relax and stretch with baby classes for mums and babies from six weeks onwards.

A flagship Coffee and Chat group runs every Friday at Brookvale Village Hall, close to Basingstoke town centre. Make new lifelong friends by attending the antenatal classes.

There are also social groups and events across the borough and support with breastfeeding.

Nearly New Sales are among the largest in the country and are held in central Basingstoke in the spring and autumn.

Check out the website for full information at nct.org.uk/branches/basingstoke, email mailto:basingstoke@nct.org.uk or see their latest Facebook updates.

Their National Helpline is 0300 330 0700 and note that ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ is the first week in August highlighting the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies.