We currently have a number of roles available. Would you like to get involved?

Branch Chair/Coordinator - Tabis

Hello, I'm Tabis, the new Branch Chair for NCT Taunton. I am very grateful to the NCT for introducing me to the wonderful group of friends I met at my antenatal classes with Susie. I am also a huge fan of Anna's Early Days course and cafe, where I visited regularly when I first became a mum. I now have two children, Joe aged three, and Elsie who is one. I volunteered as Branch Web Editor in the Autumn of 2011. I felt extremely welcomed and enjoyed the role so much that I found myself volunteering to take on the role of Chair. I am certain I will have lots to learn, but I plan to have a lot of fun along the way. I am keen to support the excellent work already being done, and hope you will get in touch if you would like to join our friendly team or have any ideas about how we can support new parents in the Taunton area.  

Please contact me on: email -chair@ncttaunton.org.uk

Parent Support Co-ordinator - Sonia

Hello, my name is Sonia and I first came across the NCT when I joined Anna’s Early Days Café with my then four week old daughter. The environment was so welcoming and supportive and everyone was so open-minded that it became a regular fixture on my calendar until I returned to work! My husband, Guy, and I have one daughter, Leilani, who is now ten months old; she amazes me every day and I feel very lucky to be her mummy! I’d already helped out at one of the Nearly New Sales and the Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party when I heard there were vacancies in the branch. I wanted to give something back and I have recently started organising Speed Bumps evenings. Outside of the NCT I teach full time – life can be pretty hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way! If you have any questions about meeting other ‘bumps’ in the area or would like more information on activities the branch runs locally do get in touch.

Please contact me on: email - PSC@ncttaunton.org.uk

Membership Secretary - Emma

Please contact me on : Tel - 01823 289022 or email - membership@ncttaunton.org.uk

Branch Treasurer - Vacant

This post is currently vacant: Would you like to get involved?

Branch Secretary - Clare

Please contact me on: email - info@ncttaunton.org.uk

Newlife Editor/Advertising - Helen

  I first came into contact with the NCT when I registered to attend a Speed Bumps event advertised at a Nearly New Sale.  I subsequently took part in a postnatal course and attended the Early Days Cafe nearly every week after my son Thomas was born until he was on the move and too old for the group.  Having moved to the area with my husband’s job and being away from family I found the cafe a huge source of support and help.  Being a new parent is a challenge and knowing that you’re not the only mum having sleeping, feeding, teething ‘issues’ is very reassuring!  And now it’s my turn to give something back! 

If you would like to advertise your business or service with the NCT please get in touch.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Please contact me on: email - advertising@ncttaunton.org.uk

Antenatal Teacher - Susie Peeler

Hi I'm Susie Peeler and have been involved with the local branch of the NCT since 1997. I have held various posts on the committee but since qualifiying as an antenatal teacher in 2004 I have mainly helped out at sales rather than take on any other roles. I run about 5 courses a year and have taught hundreds of couples. I have three children all of whom benefittted from the various groups which the NCT runs for preschoolers. That probably all seems a long time ago for them since they are now 14, 12 and nine and my eldest Tabi has even started helping out at the nearly new sales too- NCT must run in the blood! When I'm not teaching antenatal classes I fit in a bit of lecturing at Somerset College and I'm also studying for a research degree.

Please contact me on: email - susiep@ncttaunton@org.uk

Antenatal Teacher - Vicky

Hi, my name is Vicky and I am qualified Antenatal Teacher offering classes in the Taunton & District Area. I grew up between Taunton and Bridgwater but moved away to Leeds and then London when I was in my late teens. I joined the NCT when I had my first baby back in 2004 and have been involved ever since. Pregnant for the first time I was totally clueless (I’d never even held a baby!) and somewhat friendless (I’d just moved to a new area) and was desperate to attend their classes so that I could build up skills, confidence and friends! Unfortunately the area where I was living had no Antenatal Teachers so once I’d had my baby, and found friends through the many other events the NCT runs, I decided to do something about it and train to do the job myself! Over the next few years I went on to have another baby and complete my University Diploma in Antenatal Education enabling me to start teaching in North London. In 2010 I relocated back to Taunton and since then I have been able to offer my services to the new parents of the Taunton area. I am absolutely passionate about working with people as they prepare for the birth of their baby and my courses hope to be a welcoming, relaxed and fun experience! I aim to increase my clients’ confidence and offer support, advice and somewhere to talk, both about the labour and birth and the early days as a parent. I run courses throughout the year and if you are interested in booking please contact our Parent Services Administrator, Fiona ( bookings3b@nct.org.uk or 0844 243 6949).

Postnatal Leader - Anna

I've been involved with the NCT for nearly seven years, since Ralph and I did antenatal classes with Claire Borney. We had a very positive experience of the classes and they helped us make a decision about where to give birth, and really prepared us to become parents. I became the branch treasurer when Iris was just a few months old and have done lots of different things for the branch over the years. When Iris was 15 months, I started training to be a postnatal leader. I qualified in 2007 though I'm still studying with the NCT- I've caught the studying bug.I work part time for the NCT, running the weekly Early Days Cafe at West Monkton and courses for new mums and dads in Taunton and neighbouring branches which fits perfectly around Iris's school hours. I live in West Somerset with Iris (now six) and Ralph (now 41)!

Please contact me on: email - annah@ncttaunton.org.uk

Breastfeeding Counsellor - Sarah Harcombe

Hello, I’m Sarah Harcombe and I am a breastfeeding counsellor. I first encountered the NCT nearly 10 years ago when my husband and I attended the NCT antenatal classes when we were expecting our first son. Several years (and children!) later some of my friends were struggling with breastfeeding and were so upset to have to give up. I felt unable to help them despite my experiences of feeding my own children and so decided to train as a breastfeeding counsellor.  I qualified in May 2010 and I really enjoyed the training and now my role. I teach the breastfeeding session of the antenatal classes, run two drop in groups and offer support and information through telephone calls and emails, and also home visits if required. This year I am hoping to train peer supporters within the branch so that we can provide more breastfeeding support. In Sept 2011 I began my training as an NCT Birth Companion, which once qualified in May 2012 will enable me to support a couple through their antenatal period, through birth and into the early days with their new baby - I feel very excited at the prospect of being able to provide support at this very special time in people's lives. If you are interested in this new service from the NCT please contact Alison Green, the Birth Companion Co-ordinator at b_companions@nct.org.uk Working and volunteering for the NCT has taken me down so many new roads and I have met many inspiring people along the way - I cannot recommend it enough!

Please contact me on 01278 732 690 or at breastfeeding@nct.org.uk

Nearly New Sale Co-ordinator - Bethan

I first came into contact with the NCT when I arrived at the Early Days Café as a new mum with a seven week old baby – I’d always planned to do antenatal classes through the NCT, but I never got the opportunity as my daughter Erin arrived prematurely! The help and support I received was invaluable, and when Erin was a little older and the call went out for more folk to get involved with Branch events, I thought it was time to start giving something back. Now Erin is approaching two I’ve recently taken over as the Nearly New Sale Co-ordinator, but as I spend most days being a cheeky monkey I also help to organise the Branch Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party in the Summer!

Please contact me on: email - nns@ncttaunton.org.uk

Deputy Nearly New Sales Co-ordinator - Paula

Hello, my name is Paula McShane and am mum to my gorgeous son Liam, who is currently 7 weeks old. I first came across the NCT when I went to Speed Bumps, and a few coffee mornings, and felt immediately welcomed and supported by the people I met. I am now the Deputy Nearly New Sales Co-ordinator for the branch, which is a completely new role for me, which I'm sure I will enjoy.

Please contact me on: email - nns@ncttaunton.org.uk

Dads' Group Co-ordinator - Mark

My name is Mark. I am one of the fathers who organise the dads' group. I have absolutely no specialist baby experience or knowledge but see myself as an enthusiastic amateur. I have a little girl, Imogen who has just turned one who I love spending time with. I enjoyed attending the NCT dads' group each month so when a new co-ordinator was required I was happy to put myself forward. Please don't hesitate to join us at dads' group on the first Saturday of each month.

Please contact me on: email - dads@ncttaunton.org.uk

Dads' Group Co-ordinator - Guy

My name is Guy Mock and I'm married to Hannah.  I am the other dad that
organises the Dads' Group.  I have a son, William, who was born in June
2010 and we are nervously expecting another bundle of Joy in May 2012.  I
love spending time with Will and enjoy meeting other bleary eyed dads on
the first Saturday of every month for bacon sandwiches, so was happy to be
able to help out with Mark.

Please contact me on: email - dads@ncttaunton.org.uk

Branch Web Editor - Fiona

My name is Fiona and I have just volunteered for the Branch Web Editor role. I saw the advert in February and decided that I would like to get involved. I have one little boy aged 4 and am due to have another baby in June 2012. I currently teach Information Technology and also am a Freelance Usability Consultant which keeps me very occupied.

Please contact me on: email - website@ncttaunton.org.uk

Open House Co-ordinator

This post is currently vacant. Would you like to get involved?

Branch member - Ruth

My name is Ruth, and I was branch chair from July 2009 to 2012. I have two little girls - Abigail is four and Rosemary is one. We moved to Taunton in August 2008, and getting involved in branch activities really helped me to feel settled quickly. Volunteering in various ways has given me more confidence, which is easy to lose when you stop work to have children. I teach two mornings a week now, and really enjoy that too. Our branch team is fantastic, friendly, enthusiastic and caring. Get involved if you can!!