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A service for parents who have lost a child through stillbirth or miscarriage is to be held in Douglas next month.

 

Midwives at Noble’s Hospital organise the STAR (Still Treasured, Always Remembered) service each year to support bereaved families.

 

They will host a memorial service at St Thomas’s Church in Douglas on 2nd January at 2pm. 

 

The event aims to provide a focal point for those who have lost a child, whether recently or long ago, to find comfort through being with others who have suffered a similar loss.

 

Led by hospital chaplain Reverend Philip Frear,  thse attending are encouraged to contribute by reading a poem, playing music or singing.

 

The organisers hope more people will come along than in previous years, as it is in Douglas Town Centre rather than at Nobles Hospital.

 

Families will be invited to light a candle in memory of their lost loved one and stay behind after the ceremony for refreshments and a chat with others.   

 

Lead midwife for bereavement Dianne Rubery said: ‘As midwives, we stand by parents in their loss. Bereavement charities work with families over a longer period than we do, and their ongoing support and expertise is invaluable.

 

'This year we’re keen to include all Island bereavement organisations in the STAR service, as we are aiming to expand our partnerships with them so that we can enrich the care offered to families at the darkest of times. We can do this by working closely with local charities.' 

 

STAR wants to conduct a similar study day to that of one they visited in England, run by charitable organisation Beyond Bea, who raise awareness of baby loss and improving bereavement care among health professionals through education.

 

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