Baby Loss Awareness Week – Honouring the loss of those too precious for this world…
Today marks the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week which takes place from October 9th – 15th, a time dedicated to honouring and supporting families who have experienced the heartache of pregnancy or infant loss. Across the globe, this week serves as a reminder of the babies lost too soon and offers comfort to those who grieve in silence.
Here in Cumbria, the Silent Footprints Foundation, a charity founded by women who have themselves faced the pain of baby loss, has organised several events for those who wish to participate.
Candlelit Walk in Whitehaven
On the final day of Baby Loss Awareness Week, October 15th, people around the world will take part in the Global Wave of Light, lighting candles in memory of babies lost. This year, the Silent Footprints Foundation is holding a special Candlelit Walk at Whitehaven Harbour. Attendees are invited to join the walk from 7:00 PM, carrying candlelit lanterns in remembrance. The serene walk along the harbour will offer a beautiful moment of solidarity and reflection.
In addition to the walk, the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners will illuminate The Wave in pink and blue—the colours of Baby Loss Awareness—creating a moving tribute to the day.
Memorial Ribbons in Carlisle
For those in Carlisle, the Silent Footprints Foundation has arranged a space at Carlisle United’s Memorial Ground. Visitors can write a note or name on a ribbon and tie it in the memorial area in memory of their baby. This space offers a quiet, personal way to commemorate a loved one, providing a sense of connection and remembrance.
Whether through lighting a candle, tying a ribbon, or walking in solidarity, these events are an opportunity to acknowledge the deep impact of baby loss, support one another, and remember the little lives that left lasting footprints.
Everyone is welcome to join us in these meaningful acts of remembrance.
If you have been affected by Baby loss and are looking to reach out, visit: https://www.silentfootprintsfoundation.org/
The Silent Footprints Foundation
The Silent Footprints Foundation is a registered charity under the Charity Commission, formally established as a “Small Charity Constitution” in 2022. Originally founded as a Community Peer Support Group in 2019, they provide compassionate support to those grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
What They Do…
The foundation is a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, medical termination, and the loss of an infant. They offer a variety of services and resources, including:
- Memory Boxes: Personalised boxes to help commemorate lost loved ones.
- Mental Health Links: Resources to access professional mental health services.
- Coping Strategies: Practical advice and methods for dealing with grief.
- Befriending: Peer support from others who have experienced similar losses.
- Memory Tree: A place to leave messages in honour of loved ones.
- Small Library: Self-help books on grief and recovery.
- Angel Memorabilia & Jewellery: Available for purchase, with all proceeds funding their peer support groups.
They also provide one-to-one peer support for those who prefer a more private and personalised approach.
Why they do it…
Their work is deeply personal. The journey began after their founder Gail suffered twin loss in 2014 and an ectopic pregnancy in 2015, leading to life-saving surgery. Despite having a support network, she felt isolated, struggling to find spaces where she could openly discuss her grief.
During this time, she connected with Jenn, who had lost her son Leo at full term in 2013. Their shared experiences fostered a deep understanding that loss, regardless of stage, carries a profound impact. This belief—that grief is valid no matter when or how it occurs—became the foundation of their approach. The Silent Footprints Foundation was born out of a desire to ensure no one has to navigate pregnancy and infant loss alone.
How They Work…
Their support services are accessible in various ways to meet the needs of individuals:
- Peer Support Groups: Open to all who need a safe space to talk or remember. Whether it’s soon after a loss or even years later, individuals can drop in or stay for the full duration of the group.
- Memory Tree: A symbolic space for individuals to add messages or items in honour of their lost babies.
- One-to-One Support: Available in person or over the phone for those who aren’t comfortable with group settings or wish to speak confidentially.
Where They Are…
They operate in Cumbria with monthly support groups at two locations:
- Whitehaven: Senhouse Centre, last Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays), 6:00-8:00 PM
- Carlisle: Carlisle Eden Mind Venue, second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 PM
In addition, their one-to-one support is available at the shared community centre at Haig Enterprise Park, thanks to their partnerships with Time To Change West Cumbria Community Centre, Together We CIC, and Citizens Advice Copeland.
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