Baby Loss Awareness Week: Portsmouth Guildhall to light up blue and pink
Solent NHS Trust and Portsmouth City Council are joining forces to signpost available support and raise awareness for Baby Loss Awareness week, which takes place during 9-15 October.
Now in its 21st year, the week led by Sands, is backed by an alliance of more than 100 charities and organisations, aiming to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK. Throughout the week, bereaved parents, their families and friends unite to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infant.
Dan Baylis, Chief Medical Officer at Solent NHS Trust, said: “The loss of a baby is a devastating thing to happen to a family. It’s important to recognise that everyone grieves differently, and with that, there is a wide range of support available. We’re really grateful to the Council for their support in lighting up the Guildhall and helping to bring attention to the support helplines for all who are going, or have gone through, the unexpected loss of a baby.”
The Portsmouth City Council building will be illuminated during the Wave of Light, a globally recognised event, which takes place between 7-8pm on Sunday 15 October.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, said: "We're proud to support Baby Loss Awareness Week and will be lighting up Portsmouth Guildhall alongside a host of other buildings across the country, to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss."
People in the local community are being encouraged to join other families across the world by lighting a candle at 7pm and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon. Participants are encouraged to post photos of their candles on social media using #WaveOfLight.
You can find advice, information and support available on Solent NHS Trust’s Family Assist page.