Business Supports Parental Preparation Classes

Expectant parents can now access face-to-face birth preparation classes, thanks to the dedication of retired midwife Jan Ulyatt.

The classes have been held at The Roundhouse, and sponsored by Standard Bank Offshore.  

Initially expecting around 16 participants, Jan has recognised that demand has surged, with over 45 parents-to-be signed up to the first session.

Parental Preparation Classes

Recognising the value of these sessions, Standard Bank Offshore has stepped in to support the hire of venue for four rounds of the class.

The Roundhouse has also agreed to keep rental costs at a charitable rate for the sessions.  

Classes from an alternative provider, previously offered in-person to parents, were moved online towards the end of 2024, leaving a gap for in-person preference.

The online learning remains an option for parents-to-be who wish to attend online, however for parents that feel that in-person classes provide a much greater impact, Jan is pleased to be able to offer this as an option.  

Invaluable

Jan Ulyatt, course host, said: “These sessions are invaluable for expectant parents.

“Being able to deliver them in person allows for inclusivity, open discussion, hands-on demonstrations, and a real sense of community support.

“It’s fantastic to see such demand, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support that allows us to keep running.”

Charitable

Cassi McAllister from The Roundhouse added: “Jan has put in a tremendous amount of effort to keep these courses going for the benefit of parents-to-be on the Isle of Man.

“We are delighted to support her by providing our space at a concessionary rate to allow for as many classes as possible to be held, as well as Jan not charging for attendance, ensuring accessibility for everyone.”

Cassi McAllister from The Roundhouse.

Anna-Marie Egre, CSI Project Lead at Standard Bank Offshore, said: “Supporting the communities where we operate is a core value for us.

“We believe corporate involvement in initiatives like this can create a meaningful impact by providing essential resources and opportunities for families. We’re delighted to support four sessions of this class and hope many new families will benefit from it.”

Also Read

Manx Care has recently been criticised for pulling its in-person sessions, claiming that videos will be a sufficient replacement despite criticism from MHKs including Joney Faragher.