SILENT FOOTPRINTS FOUNDATION: Providing a safe space and support
SILENT FOOTPRINTS FOUNDATION
Providing a safe space and offering support to families affected by baby loss…
by Danni Murphy
Silent Footprints Foundation is a registered charity, 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.
Gail said: “After I went through my own loss I found myself feeling isolated. I had days long after I lost my babies when I felt like I wanted to talk about it but felt that there wasn’t really anyone I could comfortably talk to. We have found since starting the support groups that many other parents who had suffered baby loss felt the same way – that’s why I know that what we do is necessary and vital for a lot of bereaved families.”
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 honor 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…
We 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.
www.silentfootprintsfoundation.org
You can also follow them on Facebook for information about support groups, events and fundraising… ‘silentfootprintscumbria’
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