Lighting Up for Baby Loss Awareness Week

South Shields Town Hall will be lit up pink and blue next Saturday (15 October) to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The week (9 - 15 October) is a time for people to come together, remember their much-loved and missed babies and raise awareness of baby loss.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "By lighting our beautiful Town Hall, we are signalling our support for bereaved parents and letting them know that they are not alone.

"Loss of any sort is incredibly painful but loss of a child is particularly difficult. By demonstrating our support to this campaign, we hope it brings some comfort to all those who have tragically lost a baby."

People are encouraged to unite with bereaved families by lighting a candle at 7pm on 15 October in memory of babies who have died.

The Council recognises that the loss of a baby is a devastating experience and offers its own employees support through a compassionate leave policy giving paid leave to those who experience this tragic loss.

A Baby and Infant Remembrance Service, held in conjunction with South Tyneside District Hospital, takes place in the crematorium chapel on the second Saturday in November every year. Hymns, prayers and readings are all part of the service. All families and friends of parents who have experienced a baby's death are welcome to attend at 3pm on Saturday, 12 November.

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit www.babyloss-awareness.org