Appeal to create "refuge" for bereaved families

Friday 21 February 2020

A local baby loss charity is asking islanders to help raise £15,000 to upgrade the space in the hospital where families can grieve after the loss of their baby.

The Bereavement Suite in Jersey Maternity Unit is being relocated as part of a larger refurbishment and Philip's Footprints is appealing to islanders' generosity to make it better for bereaved families.

Each year, around 1,000 babies are born in Jersey and, while it is a joyous occasion in a majority of cases, around 20 families do not get to take their babies home and instead are left with "a devastating and profound heartbreak," charity Philip's Footprints said.

The charity was set up by bereaved parents Jo and Paul Nash in 2008 with the aim of helping others through baby loss through peer support and the creation of 'memory boxes.'

They also invest in ante-natal training, equipment and information to pregnant women in a bid to reduce the rate of stillbirth, premature birth and complications at birth. 

Since 2008, the charity has distributed over 250 memory boxes, funded over 404 training places for maternity health professionals for bereavement care as well as  £40,000 towards safer pregnancies and £56,000 towards ante-natal equipment.

In 2018, they also funded the purchase of a Cuddle Cot to allow couples who wish to take their baby home to grieve and bond in private.

Now the charity's latest fundraiser aims to transform the Bereavement Suite at the Maternity Unit into a peaceful space that will allow families to spend time with their baby, hold them, make treasured memories and hopefully help them begin their grieving process.

“At times such as this, bereaved parents need a safe space," Jo said.

"We know from personal experience just how important the bereavement suite is, providing a refuge for mothers, fathers, siblings and wider family. It allows families to take the time they need to make memories and say goodbye.” 

You can donate to Philip's Footprints' appeal by clicking HERE.