Baby Loss Awareness Week 2019 Launches in Guernsey

Guernsey Sands will be hosting a Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Event to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in Guernsey during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2019 (9th to 15th October).

The national awareness week, now in its 17^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 at their Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Event on Sunday 13 October from 10am.

All those wishing to attend should meet at the Guernsey Sands Memorial Garden at Le Foulon Cemetery where there will be bubbles, candles and other memorial activities. All attending are then invited to make their own way to Le Friquet Garden Centre where Guernsey Sands will be providing refreshments. Children are welcome.

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

Guernsey Sands is holding two Wave of Light events:

Guernsey Sands Community Wave of Light 2019 (online event) held within their supportive Guernsey Sands community Facebook 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.

Guernsey Sands Wave of Light Community Meet being held on Tuesday 15 October 7 – 9pm at St Stephen’s Community Centre Meeting Room. Attendees can arrive from 6.45pm to light a candle for the global Wave of Light from 7-8pm and then stay on after if they wish. Those wishing to attend can just turn up on the night. If you would like to attend this event, go to the Guernsey Sands events page for more information.

Rob Jones, Chair of Guernsey Sands Group, said: “We hope that our remembrance event 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 Event 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.”

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week.