Healthcare partners and local charities across Coventry and Warwickshire are supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October 2021) by hosting a short service at Coventry Cathedral on Sunday 10th October at 2pm for anyone who has ever been affected in any way by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

After the service people are invited to bring their own picnic to the lawn outside, where they will have the opportunity to meet the organisers and other families. There will also be an opportunity after the service to chalk hearts on the floor of the Cathedral Ruins, as a symbol of the continuing love and loss that is remembered at this time.

Organisers of the event said: “We hope our beautiful and uplifting event will help those who have been affected feel more connected and less alone.

“We want to support families to help to break the silence and talk openly about baby loss.”

Baby Loss Awareness Week, now in its 19^th year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and their friends to commemorate babies’ lives, raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, and to drive for improvements in both care and support for those affected and to save babies’ lives in the future. The Week is led by Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity), in collaboration with more than 100 organisations across the UK.

This year, Baby Loss Awareness Week will be exploring the theme of wellbeing and sharing what has helped anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to recover and build a life after loss.

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents, grandparents, siblings and wider family and friends to come together and remember their babies who have died, however long ago.

“For anyone whose baby has died, however recent or long ago, the world is changed forever, and there is no simple answer to grief. Finding ways to cope and look after yourself or your partner is different for everyone.

“We hope that this year’s event at Coventry Cathedral will help start more conversations about pregnancy and baby loss, and by doing so help bereaved parents and families feel more able to talk about their babies and find ways to look after themselves and others.”

Locally, NHS Trusts, groups and charities across Coventry and Warwickshire have shared information and organised events each year to support local families during this valuable campaign week.

For more information please visit www.babyloss-awareness.org. From the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Sands are also encouraging communities across the UK to turn pink and blue to show their individual support.

The event will be held just inside the Coventry Cathedral’s glass doors. Further information can be found here Baby Loss Support Organisations (geh.nhs.uk).