Bereaved families had the chance to remember loved ones during a poignant get-together marking Baby Loss Awareness Week. Mums, dads, siblings and grandparents had an opportunity to talk and reflect, as well as writing heartfelt messages on ribbons and wooden hearts. They enjoyed food together and also decorated jars to hold a candle, which they were invited to use as part of a global Wave of Light event. The gathering took place at The Nook – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) base in Framingham Earl, near Norwich – and Baby Loss Awareness Week ran from 9th to 15th October. “We had a very special day,” said EACH Wellbeing Lead Jayne Chesterton. “Twenty-six people attended and it was a chance for families to come together, remember and celebrate their loved ones. “They wrote very personal messages on ribbons and also decorated wooden hearts. “These activities gave families the opportunity to make something for, and in memory of, their deceased baby, brother, sister and grandchild. “Parents took the opportunity to chat to each other, as well as staff and three of our volunteers, and there was a very comfortable atmosphere. “They appreciated the opportunity to engage with others and remember and share memories, and be acknowledged as their baby’s mother and father. “It’s a safe space for them, without any judgement, and it flowed seamlessly. “There were plenty of smiles, despite the poignancy of the occasion, and families told us how much they appreciated the chance to be together. “It meant a lot to those who came as they know we’re always here to listen and support them when needed.” The Nook event took place on 9th October and then, to mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, a global Wave of Light was held on the 15th. Families had the chance to light candles and use the jars they decorated the previous weekend. “It’s an important, powerful show of support in raising awareness of baby loss,” added Jayne. “In addition to the coloured lighting, we also had blue and pink ribbons on show throughout the hospice. “It was a simple gesture but extremely poignant. “Adding the ribbons was typical of our care team because they’re always going the extra mile to make things extra special.” EACH’s neonatal referrals at The Nook are mainly a result of the hospice’s close connection and work with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King’s Lynn, and James Paget Hospital, in Great Yarmouth. Jayne and her team also run monthly bereavement groups at the hospice – one for babies and one for children over a year old. Meanwhile, two families attended a creative session for Baby Loss Awareness Week at Milton on 16th October. Beautiful candle holders were created by each family member to be used during the Wave of Light. They also produced their own piece of artwork, using the colours of blue and pink. They completed a group ‘handprint on canvas’, which has been on display in the hospice. Image credits EACH
