About the support group

This free support group is a safe place to:

  • learn about pregnancy, birth and parenting in the UK 
  • form a community, make friends, learn from and support each other
  • share skills and experiences, and grow in confidence in their natural ability to give birth and parent their children

The support group provides a free crèche, clothing exchange and interpreters.

For further information, you can email us at leedsbankside.antenatal@nct.org.uk.

The group runs on Tuesdays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, and is located at Leeds Bankside Children’s Centre, Shepherds Lane, Leeds, LS8 5AW.

Antenatal education sessions

NCT facilitators Rose McCarthy and Rebecca Bowans lead the antenatal education sessions. 

They cover topics including: 

  • birthing positions
  • the stages of labour pain relief in the UK
  • relaxation
  • feeding choices and support
  • early parenting advice
  • active decision making
  • any other topics that feel important to the attendees

Many of the women who attend go on to have positive birth experiences and often return to share them with the group.

In the community

Women attending the sessions are encouraged to practice their English and become volunteers within the community. 

Nearly all join the Yorkshire and Humber Maternity Stream of Sanctuary, a charity that NCT works closely with. Many volunteered with Rose as health befrienders when she worked at the Refugee Council. Through both charities, mums support their peers and their influence is high.

The Leeds Bankside group celebrated their 20th year anniversary in 2023. Not only has it changed the lives and birthing experience for many women seeking asylum and refugees, but also demonstrated to the practitioners just how powerful this level of support can be to others on multiple levels.