Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October): Support in Essex
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:
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1 in 5 pregnancies in the UK ends in miscarriage.
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In 2023 there were 2,545 stillbirths and 1,933 neonatal deaths in the UK.
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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
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Find support: Families can use www.essexmap.co.uk to discover local groups and services.
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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.
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Raise awareness: Share information and join in remembrance events like the global Wave of Light on 15 October.
💜 Together, we can ensure families in Essex know they are not alone.
