Torbay Hospital’s annual Baby Remembrance Weekend will be held next month on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December 2018.
Staff from Torbay Hospital’s maternity unit, A&E and chaplaincy services, together with some local parents and ‘Little Footprints’, the Totnes branch of SANDS (Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society) have planned the weekend which includes a craft morning for all ages on the Saturday and a special service in the Hospital’s Chapel on the Sunday.
The weekend is open to all those who have experienced the loss of a baby, in pregnancy or in the early days or months of life.
Sam Blatchford, Midwife at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The loss of a baby can affect everyone in the family – brothers, sisters and grandparents as well as the parents themselves. This weekend provides an opportunity to find ways of remembering little ones and acknowledging 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: “The theme this year is around the quote ‘the flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all’ and draws on the place of heartsease in English tradition and cherry blossom in Japanese culture to symbolise deep emotional moments – the Sunday service will reflect this theme.
“It is also worthwhile to note that the craft session will be held on the Saturday morning this year which is a change from previous years. People are welcome to just drop in and stay as long as they want! We look forward to welcoming people along to our events over this special weekend.”
The craft morning will be on Saturday 1 December (10am – 12noon) in the Bayview Restaurant at Torbay Hospital, when all ages can be creative and make things to remember. There will be a range of activities available, suitable for the youngest children as well as adults and an opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation.
The Service of Remembrance for babies is on Sunday 2 December at 3pm in Torbay Hospital’s Chapel. This will include a chance to light a candle, place a star on a tree and have a name or a message read out if desired. Following the service, families will be able to have tea and refreshments in the Bayview Restaurant.
There is no need to book a place; people can simply turn up to either event if they wish.
If anyone would like more details about the baby remembrance weekend they should contact the Hospital’s Chaplaincy on 01803 654186.
Bob Jope Healthwatch Torbay
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