Benefits

Community

Your membership and contribution helps us to continue our work and deliver invaluable services in English for families and parents-to-be in Belgium.

You become part of wonderful and welcoming international community of families that is open-minded and supportive, happy to share interests, information and experiences and loves to get together and have fun at playgroups, courses, classes and events - face-to-face and online!

Our Clubhouse in Ixelles is our community hub. It is an inspiring multi-purpose space created for families with babies and young children that hosts our playgroups and many meet-ups, courses, classes and events. A space to socialise and get-together for all our members.

Family membership

Signing up with the BCT means one membership for all your family members including nannies and caretakers of your children. This provides parents and children access to all BCT activities, information and support, family gatherings as well as events just for parents.

Information

You can contact our information team or send enquiries by email if you want to find out about something, e.g. healthcare professionals, hospitals or crèches. We also have a well-stocked library of books to borrow on pregnancy and parenting. Our social groups and interest groups as well as our huge social media community are great places to get practical tips and support regarding family life in Belgium.

Small Talk magazine

Small Talk, the BCT’s official member magazine, is published four times a year and provides a wealth of information about family life in Belgium and articles on pregnancy and parenting-related issues. It also keeps you up to date with all BCT activities, services and events and contains details and news on all BCT groups and events.

Pregnancy in Belgium

These unique monthly information evenings allow future parents to seek answers to their many questions surrounding planning or expecting a baby in Belgium. From choices of health care providers, to places of birth, identifying support services available, and dealing with administration in Belgium – our experienced prenatal teachers provide a helpful overview on what’s out there for parents-to-be.

Participants receive a booklet packed with useful information. BCT membership entitles you to a considerably reduced admission.

Prenatal Courses

Our prenatal courses are run by qualified antenatal teachers. The courses are an ideal way for small groups of pregnant women and their partners to gain knowledge and confidence about the process of labour and the early days as parents with their newborn.

They are also a great place to meet other parents-to-be and to share the excitement or expectations in the weeks leading to the birth.

Our Birth & Parenting Courses for first-time parents and our Refresher Courses for parents that have already had a baby as well as our specialised Hypnobirthing Courses come along with a one year membership for the whole family that provides lots of opportunities to build up a support network and to meet other families, either in our Clubhouse in Ixelles or in Brussels' local neighbourhoods.

Post-birth support

You can access help and support from trained breastfeeding and bottle-feeding supporters. The BCT also has a team of Early Days Supporters and an Experiences Register, so you will always be able to find a listening ear, practical guidance and valuable support if you should need it.

Equipment Hire

You can rent specialist equipment through the BCT. For managing pain in labour we have TENS machines, and for more comfortable sitting after birth we have Valley Cushions. You can also try different cloth nappy systems before you buy and get practical tips from our Cloth Nappy Supporter.

Socialising

Whether it is a local group or one of the numerous playgroups in our Clubhouse in Ixelles, our family events , information talks or members courses – social life within the BCT is vibrant. At all our activities you can meet other parents going through the same life changes as you. Many of our members make lifelong friends, as they support each other through the most momentous times in their lives and in the years that follow.

Making a difference

Volunteering with the BCT is a great way to combine family, work and fun! You choose a role that you (and your children) enjoy, work within a fantastic group of open minded and enthusiastic people, while making an impact on your family and others who benefit from the fruits of your volunteering. Whether you would like to join our Small Team as display ads coordinator or if you are interested in supporting new families as an early day supporter, whether you are up for taking on a more challenging and demanding role as member of the Board of Directors or if you prefer to host one of our playgroups at the Clubhouse in Ixelles, we have got lots of opportunities for you to make a difference with a valuable and meaningful role within our organisation. By the way, did you know that the BCT is run entirely by volunteers?

BELONG. EXPLORE. CONNECT. IMPACT.