City council displays ribbons to commemorate Baby Loss Awareness Week

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is joining forces with the STILL support group to mark Baby Loss Awareness (9-15 October) with a ribbon display outside the Civic Centre in Stoke.

Baby Loss Awareness Week, which is now in its 24th year, is led by SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and raises awareness of pregnancy and baby loss. 

The week provides opportunities for families and communities to come together to share their experiences, provide support and remember babies who are no longer with us. 

It also highlights the vital work that support services and health professionals do every day and ensure families receive the help and understanding they need. 

Sam Jackson, Baby Loss Awareness Week co-ordinator, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to plan such an important event for our city. This is our fourth year working alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sands and Stoke Minster to bring the Ribbon Display to our community, and once again the railings are filled with the names of babies and children we hold forever in our hearts.

“We look forward to welcoming families to our Wave of Light service on Wednesday 15th October at 6pm at Stoke Minster. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of families across Staffordshire, who stand with us, remember with us, and help us keep this space of love and remembrance alive.”

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children's services, said: "Baby loss is something that is often very difficult to talk about and my heartfelt condolences go out to anyone who has experienced this grief.

“The work of groups like STILL is so important, as many people feel alone and need support. This ribbon display is a way of coming together as a local community to remember babies we have lost."

Residents can get involved by joining the Wave of Light, by lighting a candle at 7pm on Thursday 15 October. 

Anyone struggling or in need of support can find help at https://babyloss-awareness.org/support/ or visit the Stoke Community Directory, where there are details of local organisations that provide bereavement support: Directory – Stoke Community Directory