Having the right support to begin the healing process for those experiencing losing a pregnancy or a baby is crucial. The Care Group recognises the importance of having early sympathetic symport.
Awareness raising events like the annual Baby Loss Awareness Week, now in its 22 year, offer a good opportunity to bring people together to help individuals touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone.
Care Group Health Visiting Head of Service, Hamida Serdiwala-White, said: “We value initiatives like Baby Loss Awareness Week as it is a crucial time for our health visitors to offer support and to raise awareness to those families.
“It is also an opportunity to foster compassion and highlight the accessible care and resources available for those affected.”
This year’s Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October), saw Tower Hamlets Council lighting up the Town Hall in pink and blue to honour families affected by baby loss.
There are a number of local services, including the OCEAN service, which offer specialist emotional care for residents experiencing pregnancy loss, baby loss, or separation due to safeguarding issues.
OCEAN, run by midwives and psychologists, provides psychological treatment, support for reproductive health, and care for those with moderate to severe mental health needs related to birth trauma or loss.
Partnered with Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital, and Maternity Mates, OCEAN integrates psychological and midwifery support.
The service is available Monday to Friday (9 am-5 pm) at 020 8510 8151, with self-referral options online.
Additionally, Sister Circle offers a support group for women to share their experiences and heal together. Contact them at 074 6958 1142 or via email: [javascript protected email address] for more information.
