Baby Loss Awareness Week 2018 Launches in Guernsey

Guernsey Sands will be hosting a Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Walk to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby death in Guernsey during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2018 (9th to 15th October).

The national awareness week, now in it’s 16^th year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and friends, to acknowledge and remember babies’ lives and break the silence around pregnancy, and baby loss.

Guernsey Sands is inviting local people who have been affected by the death of a baby to join them to remember their babies at their Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Walk on Sunday 14 October at 10am. All those wishing to attend should meet at Portelet Beach Kiosk from 9.45am to set off walking to the fairy ring.

At the fairy ring bubbles will be blown and shells/pebbles will be decorated commemorating the babies. If you would like to decorate one in advance, please bring it with you. A selection of shells and pebbles will be provided, along with pens for writing names and messages if you wish. All attending will then walk back to the kiosk for refreshments. Children and dogs are welcome.

October 15 culminates with the global Wave of Light at 7pm when people across the world light a candle for an hour and join others remembering the babies who lit up their lives for too short a time.

Guernsey Sands is holding an online Wave of Light event within their supportive community group for those wishing to take part in this global event from the comfort of their home.

If you would like to take part in this online event, go to the Guernsey Sands Community Facebook Group for more information.

Rob Jones, Chair of Guernsey Sands Group, said: “We hope that our remembrance walk will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.”

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to commemorate their babies who died, and I hope the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Walk will help bereaved families in Guernsey feel less isolated and alone in their grief.

“Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.”

Anyone affected by the death of a baby in Guernsey is welcome to join their regular community meets. The next Guernsey Sands Community Meet is on Tuesday 16 October 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Stephen’s Community Centre Meeting Room.

Those wishing to attend can just turn up on the night for a cup of tea and a chat. For further information, please call 07781 103435 or email [email protected].

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week.