Families who have sadly lost a baby or young child are invited to take part in Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s annual remembrance weekend for little ones we have lost.
The event will again take place at home this year on 04 and 05 December, with lots of activities planned by staff from the Trust’s maternity unit, chaplaincy services and children’s community nursing team, together with the help of some local parents.
Families can have a craft activity pack sent out, as well as information on support available and an invitation to an online remembrance service.
A special part of the service is remembering each little one individually with a name or message on a star. Families can ask for their little one’s star to be read out as part of the service and then hung on the “star tree” in the Chapel.
Ceri Morris, Midwife at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is such an important event for people who have experienced the loss of a baby and child, and we know that this affects everyone in the family
“The event provides families with an opportunity to remember little ones and acknowledge how they have touched our lives. Many families have found it a helpful weekend, whether their loss was in recent months or in years past.”
Martin Manley, Co-ordinating Chaplain at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, added: “For many years, we have held a special weekend for families who have experienced the loss of a little one. This year, we will have to remember in a slightly different way but it is so important that these most painful of losses are not overlooked. The theme of both the service and the craft ideas is ‘Never Forgotten’. We will never forget our little ones, and we want parents and families to know that we don’t ever forget them either.
“Christmas is always a poignant time for anyone who has lost someone dear, and brings conflicting emotions particularly when parents have other children for whom they want Christmas to be a happy time. Families have often found this weekend a helpful step in dealing with their grief.”
Families who would like to receive a craft pack, have their little one’s star read out or are looking for further information are asked to contact Anna Stewart, Bereavement Midwife by emailing [email protected] or phoning 01803 655037 before Friday 26 November 2021. The service will be available to view on Sunday 05 December
The weekend is open to all those who have experienced the loss of a baby or young child, in pregnancy or in the early years of life.
