A special light display and memorial service are just some of the events which Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has organised to observe Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW).
Taking place from 9-15 October every year, BLAW raises awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.
Throughout the week, bereaved parents, and their families and friends, will unite with others across the world to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy, at, or soon after, birth, and in infancy.
Supported by Sands UK (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity), the campaign aims to drive improvements in policy and bereavement care for anyone affected by the death of a baby. Visit https://babyloss-awareness.org/get-involved/ to get involved and for details of local events.
In Walsall, a baby memorial service will be hosted by the Trust’s Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team and Specialist Bereavement Midwife on Sunday 15 October.
All parents and families who have suffered the loss of a baby regardless of gestation are invited to attend the service taking place at Pelsall Community and Arts Centre (WS3 4BQ) at 3pm.
Families of faith and no faith are welcome to attend.
There will be an opportunity for names of the little ones to be read out as parents come forward to hang their little kites on our special memory tree. This can be organised at the start of the event through Laura Atkinson, Specialist Bereavement Midwife.
In addition to this, the Trust’s Well Wishers charity is providing special organza bags to families who attend – each has a tea light and a special poem inside.
BLAW culminates with the global ‘Wave of Light’ on Sunday 15 October, which is a globally recognised event. Families across the world will light a candle at 7pm local time and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.
An engagement stand will also be held on Friday 13 October, 11am-1pm, in the Main Atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital. Here staff will provide support and guidance to families, while at the same time fundraising for the Trust’s bereavement team in an effort to further enhance the care they provide.
For anyone who feels they need help and support at this time, please visit:
www.theteddyrosefoundation.org/
https://roseanddaisyfoundation.org/
For further emotional support:
https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/perinatal