Wye Valley NHS Trust is raising awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in Herefordshire and Powys during Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9 to 15) with a series of activities and events which culminate with a remembrance service on October, 15.

Baby Loss Awareness Week, now in its 22^nd year, is an opportunity for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember and commemorate their much-loved and missed babies.

The week also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss and the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey.

Throughout the week bereaved parents and their families are invited to visit the Chapel at Hereford County Hospital where they can remember their baby by decorating a pebble and writing a letter to send to heaven. A blue or pink ribbon can also be tied to either the railings of the baby memorial garden at Hereford county hospital or the gates of Hereford Cathedral.

To raise funds for the development of the Baby Memorial Garden at Hereford County Hospital and to support the ongoing berevement service, the Maternity team will be cycling 101 miles on October 10, anyone wishing to donate can do so via their Just Giving page.

The week culminates on Tuesday, October 15 with a Walk of light departing from the Baby Memorial garden at Hereford County Hospital, 6pm, to St Francis Xavier Church, Broad Street, Hereford for a service of remembrance at 6.45pm.

Abbie Hughes, Bereavement Midwife at Wye Valley NHS Trust said “We hope that the activities and events will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.”

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Following their loss, families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. Together, we care for ourselves and each other as part of a community of people affected by all forms of pregnancy and baby loss.

“Grief affects every person differently and can change over time, even during Baby Loss Awareness Week itself. It can be extremely hard for any bereaved person to speak out on the issues that matter to them, if they do not have the time and tools to care for themselves first. Self-care is essential, so you can sustain yourself and be able to raise awareness in a way that’s right for you. 

Explore www.babyloss-awareness.org to discover self-care advice and ways you can get involved during the week.

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Notes to Editors WVT:

About Baby Loss Awareness Week

Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9th to 15th October every year and is an opportunity for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss and their families and friends to unite with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives and lost pregnancies.

An initiative started by a group of parents 22 years ago, it has now evolved into an Alliance of over 130 dedicated pregnancy and baby loss organisations. Whether you're someone who has experienced loss, a family member, friend or healthcare professional, we want you to know this Alliance stands together with you.

The charities leading Baby Loss Awareness Week are committed to raising awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK and providing support to anyone affected. By working with health professionals and other organisations, the week aims to drive for improvements in bereavement care and support, and to reduce the incidence of pregnancy and baby loss.

For more information, visit: www.babyloss-awareness.org

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £295 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

Amanda Millichip, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928