A new and unique support group for bereaved parents will be launching this September, run by colleagues with lived experience of baby/ pregnancy loss.

The loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or termination for medical reasons can be mentally and physically challenging. Launched by BSMHFT, the Compassionate Circle is a new community support group aimed at helping bereaved parents across Birmingham navigate their grieving journey.

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.

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.

Launching this September, the group will be meeting the second Wednesday of every month, 11am-1pm at Summerfield Community Sports Centre, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 4EJ.

For more information about the Compassion Circle groups, please email our Maternal Mental Health Services team on bsmhft.bereavementsupportclinic@nhs.net