Stoke-on-Trent City Council is joining forces with the STILL support group to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October) with a ribbon display outside the Civic Centre in Stoke. This initiative is now in its 24th year, led by SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), aiming to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
The week offers opportunities for families and communities to unite, share experiences, provide mutual support, and remember babies who are no longer present. It also highlights the crucial work undertaken by support services and health professionals, ensuring families receive necessary help and understanding.
Sam Jackson, Baby Loss Awareness Week co-ordinator, stated, “It is an honour and a privilege to plan such an important event for our city. This is our fourth year working alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sands and Stoke Minster to bring the Ribbon Display to our community, and once again the railings are filled with the names of babies and children we hold forever in our hearts.”
Jackson added, “We look forward to welcoming families to our Wave of Light service on Wednesday 15th October at 6pm at Stoke Minster. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of families across Staffordshire, who stand with us, remember with us, and help us keep this space of love and remembrance alive.”
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children's services, commented, "Baby loss is something that is often very difficult to talk about and my heartfelt condolences go out to anyone who has experienced this grief. The work of groups like STILL is so important, as many people feel alone and need support. This ribbon display is a way of coming together as a local community to remember babies we have lost."
Residents are encouraged to participate by joining the Wave of Light, which involves lighting a candle at 7pm on Thursday 15 October. For those struggling or in need of support, assistance can be found at babyloss-awareness.org/support or via the Stoke Community Directory, which lists local organisations offering bereavement support.
