A NEW support group for bereaved parents, run by NHS staff with lived experience of baby/ pregnancy loss has been launched.
The Compassion Circle, which has been set up by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), is a new community support group aimed at helping parents navigate their grieving journey following the loss of a baby.
The Trust said following discussions with service users and patients, a need was identified to make community-based support groups available for parents to share their stories and connect with others in a psychologically safe environment.
It added parents can often feel isolated and misunderstood in their grief.
Located in Winson Green, the Compassion Circle will run monthly, confidential sessions and is open to anyone in the community who has experienced any type of pregnancy/ baby loss – regardless of how recent or long ago.
Co-leading the sessions, Buki Hannaway, peer support worker at BSMHFT said: “The work I do at the Trust allows me to bring my son’s legacy with me every day. If you have lost a baby, it’s important to know that any type of perinatal loss can be isolating by its very nature. Myself and my colleague Asia never want anyone to go through that loneliness.
“Everyone’s bereavement is unique, however, reaching out to people who have gone through similar experiences can be comforting to some. I would really encourage anyone struggling to stop by, have chat and build a support network.
“You don’t have to do this alone.”
The group will be meeting the second Wednesday of every month from 11am to 1pm at Summerfield Community Sports Centre in Winson Green.
For more email the Maternal Mental Health Services team on [email protected]
