VOLUNTEER’S Week, June 1-12, is a time to honour the accomplishments of National Childbirth Trust volunteers both past and present.

Volunteers have been at the heart of NCT since 1956. Beginning as a small group of new mothers offering their time to improve childbirth practices, we are now fortunate to have over 10,000 dedicated people volunteering on our behalf.

Today, NCT supports parents across the first thousand days – through pregnancy, birth and becoming a mum or dad.

As our work has evolved over the past 60 years, these amazing women (and, increasingly men) have led us every step of the way. From coordinating NCT’s programs for newly settled refugee and asylum seekers, to packing bags at nearly new sales or fundraising for better mental health support, every NCT volunteer has influenced our success, and for this I thank you.

As we celebrate our volunteers throughout the course of Volunteer’s Week, never has a quote seemed more appropriate to reflect NCT’s past, present and future:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.

Nick Wilkie

NCT chief executive