North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is joining the national commemoration of Baby Loss Awareness Week by holding two special remembrance services to honour babies lost during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after.
The services will take place at:
- Thursday, October 9 at 6pm in the Cemetery Chapel on Dalston Road, Carlisle.
- Monday, November 17 at 7pm at St Peter’s Church, Kells in Whitehaven
These events offer a space for families, friends, and staff to come together in reflection and remembrance, and are open to anyone affected by baby loss.
Kerry Pape, the specialist bereavement midwife at West Cumberland Hospital said:
“Baby Loss Awareness Week is a really important time for many families. The annual campaign provides an opportunity to remember much-loved and missed babies. Baby Loss Awareness Week encourages us to openly recognise baby loss, and acknowledge its impact on so many families, we hope anyone affected can join us at the services.”
In addition to the services, NCIC is proud to share that the bereavement suite at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle known at the Snowdrop suite, has recently undergone refurbishment. This has been made possible thanks to the charity 4Louis, which supports families through miscarriage, stillbirth, and child loss.
The revamped Snowdrop suite provides a more comforting and private environment for families during the most difficult of times.
Emma Jackson, specialist bereavement midwife at The Cumberland Infirmary, said:
“We hope our bereavement suite will provide a private, comfortable space away from the busy maternity ward. It offers a calm environment for families to spend precious time with their baby. We’re really grateful to 4Louis who provide such fantastic to support to families during the very worst of times.”
Every year, people are encouraged to light a candle to join the ‘Wave of Light’ to remember all babies who have died too soon. This is an opportunity to join other families to pause, reflect and remember. This year’s wave of light will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 15th October.
For more information about the services or support available, please visit NCIC’s website.