Infertility support group launches £1,500 fundraising bid

Tuesday 02 March 2021

A fast-growing support group for islanders experiencing infertility is hoping to raise £1,500 to fund monthly meetings, and launch future awareness campaigns.

‘Tiny Seeds’ was set up in 2020 by mum Chloé Fosse, who has personal experience of infertility, and recognised a need to extend the support available locally to those going through it and raise public awareness.

Since the group launched, Chloé says it has been busier than she could have ever imagined and has quickly developed a “caring community of people ready and willing to support those facing the very many challenges that infertility brings."

They are currently 100 members in the private and confidential online support group and their number is growing by the week, while support meetings are organised regularly in person, or online, when restrictions require.

Pictured: Chloé Fosse founded the group in 2020.

In addition, ‘Tiny Seeds’ is facilitating a focus group of current and past patients who are working with the Health Department as it redesigns the island’s Assisted Reproduction Unit 

Following the departure of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) consultant, Neil MacLachlan, who had led the service for over 30 years, the Government announced the unit would be moving to a nurse-led service, with a new O&G consultant with an interest in fertility to be appointed soon.

Tiny Seeds also works to raise awareness in the wider community, including with its #wouldntbehere campaign, which brought together dozens of families who wouldn’t exist without the help of assisted reproduction for a heartwarming photoshoot highlighting the importance of access to such treatments.

As the group wants to expand its actions and support to local parents, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise an initial £1,500. 

The money will help fund the monthly support meetings as well as additional support-related events for those experiencing infertility and targeted campaigns.

Part of the funds will also go towards design and hosting fees for a website sharing appropriate advice, help and resources and the legal costs associated with registering Tiny Seeds as an established organisation.

“We have many more plans and ideas in the pipeline for ways to help those going through infertility, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the difficult and often heart-breaking experiences that at least one in eight couples go through when trying to have a family. However, we have reached a point where we need a little help to achieve these plans,” Chloé said.

“If you would like to support us in the work, we are doing then we have set up a JustGiving page and would be so appreciative of any donations made. Any funds received will go entirely towards fulfilling our aim of ensuring that the people of Jersey living with infertility are supported at all stages of their journey.”