South Wales Police came together for a moving awareness event organised by the Force’s Baby Loss Peer Support Group.
Held to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, the event aimed to raise understanding of the impact of baby loss and offer support to colleagues affected by it.
More than 40 people attended the event in the Police Learning Centre Lecture Theatre at Force HQ, including officers, staff, and managers. The event was opened by Assistant Chief Constable Simon Belcher and featured talks from human resources, bereavement midwives, and representatives from Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
One of the wellbeing dogs at the event
Attendees also heard from colleagues who shared their personal experiences of baby loss.
There was a commemoration led by Rev Ian Howells, the Force chaplain, with the lighting of a candle, poems, and a prayer, and the wellbeing dogs provided furry support and cuddles.
It provided a safe and supportive space for staff to reflect, remember, and learn. It also sought to help line managers gain a deeper understanding of how best to support colleagues who have experienced baby loss.
Inspector Ali Robinson, one of the event organisers, said: “It went really well. It was emotional and I think we all felt tired by the end of the day.
Cuddles
“Most of the attendees were people who had experienced baby loss themselves or who had supported someone who had.
“We also had some line managers attend, which was great, and a few people advocating for the group.
“We’re very proud of the day. I think we pulled together something really meaningful, and had a good balance of learning and remembrance.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to repeat it next year.”
The Baby Loss Peer Support Group is made up of volunteers who have received training from the charity Sands.
Information, guidance and links are available on the Force intranet or e-mail BabyLossPeerSG@south-wales.police.uk
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