The Basel Children’s Trust (BCT) supports English-speaking families in Basel. Giving birth and raising children away from family and friends is not easy. Knowing how important it is to have a good support network and access to helpful information during the early days of parenting is what drives the BCT. The BCT is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that provides help, support, and information to expectant parents and families with young children living in the Basel area. Founded in 1992, the BCT began as a way of supporting expectant parents through pregnancy and birth in Basel. While that’s still very much at the heart of the organization, the BCT now also supports families with young children living in the Basel area.

The BCT organizes regular weekly playgroups for children to attend with their parents. The playgroups are the perfect place for parents to connect with others, received and exchange advice, and introduce their child(ren) to new friends. The “Bumps and Babes” playgroup is specifically focused on expecting parents and parents of young babies (about 1 year and younger) and provides an excellent social resource for new families. All BCT playgroups encourage open play and are suitable for young children and babies of all ages. Non-members are welcome to try a playgroup for two weeks before becoming members.

While playgroups are great for making friends, sometimes you just want to be able to connect with people who live close enough to drop in for a coffee or meet at the park. “Neighborhood Connections” groups bring the BCT to you. There are no rules to how these groups are run. Some are coffee mornings, some organize weekend catch-ups, and others meet up for dinner or drinks.

There are certain times of the year when home feels really far away. The BCT helps English-speaking expats celebrate their cultures by hosting annual Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties. More frequent events include the popular “Nature Detectives” walks in the Basel area (buggy-friendly family walks that get adults and children to go out and explore all the nature that Basel and Baselland have to offer), monthly online workshops on topics relevant to parenting, and monthly readings at the JUKIBU Library.  

An annual BCT membership costs just CHF 99 and includes free access to all BCT playgroups for parents with their little ones; Neighborhood Connections; free or discounted online workshops; free or discounted access to BCT special events; regular newsletters packed full of relevant topics for parents in Basel; volunteer opportunities within an international, enthusiastic, and engaged group; informational booklets and recommendations for families in Basel; and discounts/benefits at Basel based businesses.

For more information on becoming a member or to find out what is going on at BCT, check out their website.

www.baselchildrenstrust.ch

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