Every October, Baby Loss Awareness Week brings families and communities together to remember lives lost too soon, raise awareness, and call for better support.
Why it Matters
Sadly, baby loss is more common than many realise:
1 in 5 pregnancies in the UK ends in miscarriage.
In 2023 there were 2,545 stillbirths and 1,933 neonatal deaths in the UK.
A 2023 survey found half of UK adults have been personally affected by pregnancy or baby loss.
In Essex, NHS data shows that families continue to experience losses every month across local maternity units. Behind each number is a grieving family who deserves compassion and support.
Support & Change
Grief from baby loss can have lasting effects, with around 1 in 5 parents experiencing PTSD or prolonged depression after their loss. Support networks, remembrance services, and counselling can make a real difference.
Progress is being made nationally—such as calls for bereavement leave after miscarriage—but community-based support remains vital.
How Essex Can Help
Find support: Families can use www.essexmap.co.uk to discover local groups and services.
Offer support: If your organisation provides help for bereaved families, please add your details to the map—it’s free and ensures no one has to search alone.
1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss, yet only 10% of UK employees say their workplace has a baby loss or miscarriage policy. Even more concerning: over 20% report receiving no support at all from their employer.
As of 2024:
🔹 Only 36% of organisations have a pregnancy loss policy
🔹 Just 24% of leaders say employees feel comfortable speaking about it
🔹 38,000 employees have been trained in bereavement support by Sands — a great start, but we need more
🔹 In sectors like private equity, only 7% have a written policy in place
🔹 NHS England has advised trusts to offer 10 days’ paid miscarriage leave — a step in the right direction
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about compassion, culture, and leadership. Employers must do better in supporting colleagues through unimaginable loss.
👉 If your organisation hasn’t yet implemented baby loss training or support policies, now is the time.
Our next workplace training session takes place on 10th October in Witham and is only £60 per person!
Little Wings of Hope, a dedicated baby loss charity, is launching a specialised workplace training program in partnership with esteemed psychotherapist and training facilitator, Paula Abramson. With extensive experience in bereavement support for families and professional training, Paula will lead this vital session designed to help businesses better support employees affected by baby loss.
Why This Training Matters:
Baby loss is a deeply sensitive issue that can have a significant emotional and professional impact on individuals in the workplace. This training will equip attendees with essential skills and knowledge to:
✅ Offer compassionate support to employees experiencing loss
✅ Create a more understanding and inclusive workplace culture
✅ Navigate difficult conversations with confidence
We welcome HR professionals, managers, leaders, and anyone responsible for staff well-being to join us. By attending, you’ll gain invaluable insights that you can take back to your workplace to foster a more supportive and empathetic environment.
📍 Location: Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club, Forest Rd, Evans Way, Witham CM8 2FX
📅 Date & Time: Friday 10th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💷 Cost: £60 per person
