It’s Baby Loss Awareness Week! Following a debate on this topic in the House of Commons yesterday, I wanted to write about the great work which is going on in Medway to support people who have been affected by the tragic loss of a baby. This week, we have seen the launch of the ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ report which calls for better access to psychological support services for those who have experienced baby loss. In Medway, we are so lucky to have two amazing charities that work to support bereaved families – Making Miracles and Abigail's Footsteps.

Making Miracles delivers a specialised counselling service for baby trauma and loss in order to improve emotional wellbeing and reduce mental health issues in those affected. Throughout October, Making Miracles are running a range of events to promote awareness of baby loss and the devastating affects this has on a family. These events include a Big Knit at Rochester Cathedral from 10am-1pm this Saturday 12th October, and also a special ‘Wave of Light’ service at the Baby Memorial Garden in Borstal next Tuesday 15th October from 6:45pm. For further information, please visit their website: https://makingmiracles.org.uk/

We also have Abigail's Footsteps which is a charity that aims to help parents and healthcare professionals cope with the tragedy of stillbirth. The charity was instrumental in setting up Abigail’s Place, a bereavement suite at Medway Hospital a few years ago. You can find out more about their work by following this link: http://www.abigailsfootsteps.co.uk/

If you would like more information on Baby Loss Awareness Week, you can always email me or visit following link: https://babyloss-awareness.org/get-involved/