Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9th-15th October each year, and is an initiative supported by more than 90 charities and groups across the UK with the aim of:
– Supporting bereaved families.
– Commemorating babies lives.
– Raising awareness around pregnancy and baby loss.
– Driving change and improvements in care and support.
This year the campaign highlights the isolation many people experience after baby loss, and the impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on access to support and on grief and responses. Now more than ever is a time to come together to let those affected know they are not alone.
To raise awareness, buildings and landmarks across the UK will be turning pink and blue throughout 9-15 October, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. You can support this work by donating to Baby Loss Awareness Week.
There are various organisations providing information and support for families affected by baby loss. You can find details and links to a few of these below, including the local organisation Willow’s Rainbow Box.
Willow’s Rainbow Box
Willow’s Rainbow Box is a registered charity in Newcastle supporting women and families experiencing pregnancy following a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
A Twitter Support Group is held every Monday at 8pm, #RainbowBabyHour, to bring together anyone affected by or involved in pregnancy after loss to discuss different topics. You can find summaries of past discussions covering a range of topics here, so even if you’ve missed any or you aren’t on Twitter you can catch up. There have also been several recent Zoom sessions, offering peer support and informal friendly chat. Look out for the next date here.
There is dedicated support for baby loss in different cultures and communities, including:
Willow’s Rainbow Box also provides comfort boxes to women pregnant again after previous loss, to help reduce anxiety and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. This service is currently on hold due to Covid-19, with the view to re-starting again in due course. Boxes contain a journal, helpful flashcards and information from charities Tommy’s and Kicks Count, as well as something to signify the new ‘rainbow’ pregnancy. The Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside areas are currently covered, with an aim to expand to include Gateshead, South Tyneside and Northumberland when funding and resources allow.
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