Families, friends and colleagues are invited to join Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for a multi-faith remembrance service and Wave of Light remembrance event at St James’s University Hospital on Thursday 15 October.
The service will take place at 6.15pm in the Chapel at St James’s University Hospital – this is an inclusive service for people of any faith and belief.
People are then invited to take part in the Wave of Light and light a candle in the garden outside the Chapel at 7pm.
Refreshments will be available, and families will also be able to place a remembrance token on the remembrance tree until 7.30pm. The chapel garden is to the right of the roundabout at the entrance to St James’s University Hospital, off Beckett Street.
About Baby Loss Awareness Week
Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place from 9 to 15 October, is a time when people around the world come together to remember babies who have died and to acknowledge the impact of miscarriage and baby loss.
However your baby has died, every loss matters. We recognise the lasting impact and trauma for families, and we want every family to feel able to remember their baby in whatever way feels right for them.
During Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are thinking of all bereaved families, including those whose grief has been compounded by care in our hospitals that has caused harm, distress and trauma. We are deeply sorry to those families.
All families are welcome to attend these events. We also understand that returning to a hospital or attending a remembrance event may not feel right for everyone. There is no expectation to attend, and we recognise that families may choose different ways to remember their baby.
A remembrance service and Wave of Light for everyone
Everyone is welcome at the remembrance service and the Wave of Light. You do not need to follow a particular faith or have a religious belief to attend.
Our Chaplaincy team includes colleagues from many faiths who have committed to supporting the Wave of Light, as well as remembrance activities taking place in the wider community during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Their support reflects our commitment to making remembrance inclusive and respectful of the diversity of our families and communities.
Remembering every baby
If you are unable to attend the St James’s University Hospital event but would like a message placed on the remembrance tree, you can submit a message to our Specialist Bereavement teams. Your message will be written on a tag and placed on the tree in the remembrance garden at St James’s University Hospital during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Leave a message to be placed on the remembrance treeRecognising the need to improve our services
You may be aware that there is currently an Independent Review taking place into maternity and neonatal services in Leeds.
We know that nothing can undo the loss, harm or trauma experienced by families. We are deeply sorry to those who have been harmed or let down by care in our hospitals.
We are committed to listening to families, learning from their experiences and making maternity and neonatal services safer and better for families in the future. While we cannot change what has happened, our responsibility is to be open about where care has fallen short and to act on what we learn.
National events
There are remembrance events and activities taking place across the UK during Baby Loss Awareness Week. The national Baby Loss Awareness Week website has information about events outside healthcare settings and ways to take part from home. You can also join the global Wave of Light from wherever you are by lighting a candle at 7pm on 15 October.
Find Baby Loss Awareness Week events across the UK
Where to access support
If you or someone you know has been affected by pregnancy or baby loss, support is available from a number of organisations:
Leeds Sands provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby, including parents, family members and friends. Their local group offers opportunities to meet others with lived experience of baby loss, as well as telephone and email support. Support is available whether your loss was recent or happened many years ago. Visit Leeds Sands You can also access national support through Sands confidential helpline on 0808 164 3332.
The Miscarriage Association provides information and support for people affected by miscarriage, including partners, family members and friends. They offer a range of resources and ways to access support. Visit the Miscarriage Association
PATHS Leeds offers support and counselling to families affected by pregnancy and baby loss. Find out more about PATHS Leeds
Taking Baby Steps provides counselling, support and information for families affected by baby loss. Find out more about Taking Baby Steps
Bliss supports parents and families affected by premature birth, neonatal care and the death of a baby receiving neonatal care. They provide information, emotional support and opportunities to connect with other families who have been through similar experiences. Visit Bliss