Plymouth charity reaching out to anyone struggling during Baby Loss Awareness week

'We are passionate about supporting both men and women, who often feel isolated and alone in their grief'

This week- October 9 to 15 - marks ‘Baby Loss Awareness Week’, which is now in its 22nd year. This was founded by SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and is an opportunity to shine a light on this subject which is so often avoided.

It culminates with the ‘Wave of Light’ on Tuesday October 15, when Pregnancy Crisis Care and others will meet with families at the Theatre Royal at 6 pm and walk up to Smeaton’s Tower on the Hoe.

We will then walk along to the quiet garden, where people will have the opportunity to tie ribbons with their babies names written on, and is a time to remember and acknowledge all of those little ones born too soon, born sleeping and unable to remain with us on earth.

Statistics from 2022 show that every day in the UK, there are between 302 and 428 miscarriages, 8 stillbirths, 145 babies born prematurely and 5 neonatal deaths.

Ribbons can be collected from Pregnancy Crisis Care, Luna’s Fund and the Phoebe Hoskin Trust, but we will also bring some on the evening. At 7 pm, we come together to light a candle for the annual Wave of Light.

This will take place all across the UK and internationally too, an opportunity to come together and stand side by side with others. Buildings will also be lit up around the city in pink and blue.

All are welcome to this event, which is both amazing and heartbreaking all in one and unifies so many. A time to remember and share memories, a time to grieve and be supported and surrounded by others who understand.

Pregnancy Crisis Care (Plymouth and S E Cornwall) along with other charities in the City, including Luna’s Fund and the Phoebe Hoskin Trust, come together during this week to raise awareness, remember those precious life’s that have been lost and offer support, counselling and practical help to so many who have been affected.

Pregnancy Crisis Care was founded in 2008 and we offer free, confidential counselling and support to both individuals and their partners for any pregnancy related crisis.

This includes miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, unplanned pregnancy, struggling after having a termination, fertility issues and pregnancy support. On average we support over 200 individuals every year.

We also have a Baby Loss Support group running every month. We are passionate about supporting both men and women, who often feel isolated and alone in their grief. We do not receive any statutory funding, so are responsible for all of our own grant applications and fundraising events.

If you are struggling, please reach out and talk to someone. We know that it can feel like a big step to ask for help, but we are a friendly team who are passionate in providing a safe space for anyone affected, whether it is a recent or historical loss.

Please remember that we are here for you and please feel free to join us or get in touch – we are all better together – no one should ever feel alone at this time – we are here to support you.

Please feel free to contact us at contact@pregnancycrisiscare.org.uk or phone us on 01752 246766 and for more information, please see our website here, or visit our Facebook and Instagram pages.

If you would like to make an online donation to the work of the centre visit: https://localgiving.org/charity/plymouthpregcc/

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