Overdue: 255 days
Public benefits
Purpose 1: To advance the awareness and education of the UK public in the subject of Pregnancy and Infant Loss. The benefit of this purpose is that those suffering from the loss of their baby will be shown more understanding and support by others. Support and consideration from others is crucial in ensuring parents do not feel isolated, and is
likely to lead to a reduction in risk of depression and other mental illness. This benefit is evidenced after awareness events that the charity participates in and promotes - such as UK baby loss awareness week from 9th - 15th October each year. Many families who we support have told us that friends and family seeing our postings on social media and attending our events along with them has helped them to feel supported. There is no harm associated with this purpose, and no private benefit. Purpose 2: To promote sensitivity and appropriate care towards those experiencing the loss of a baby in the UK by the medical profession by the provision of literature and advice. The benefit of this purpose is that medical professionals will be better prepared to deal with families under their care who are going through the loss of a baby. A recent study carried out in conjunction with the University of Ulster considered the impact of hospital care on the grief process. The care received (whether this is a positive or negative experience) at the time of the loss is something that will stay with the family for a long time and so a positive experience is very helpful in dealing with grief in a healthy way. There is no harm associated with this purpose, and no private benefit. Purpose 3: To assist in relieving the emotional distress of those in the UK affected by the loss of a pregnancy or infant by provision of online and in-person support and/or counselling. The benefit of this purpose is to allow families the opportunity to work through their grief in a way that will be less likely to leave them isolated and vulnerable to depression. We have been told many times that support from others who have been through a similar experience has been a ‘lifeline’ and that feeling understood completely has made the greatest difference to their emotional wellbeing. The benefit of professional counselling is that grief is less likely to lead to depression and other emotional illness, or it can alleviate this if it is already present. It gives individuals the tools to manage their emotions and thoughts. There is no harm associated with this purpose, and no private benefit.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Life After Loss is here to help anyone affected by the loss of a baby. We provide support and information to those who have been through the death of a baby at any stage of pregnancy, or early in life, for any reason. Our headquarters is in Northern Ireland, and many of our events and activities are also held in Northern Ireland. However we do
carry out a substantial amount of work with Warrington Hospital, and are always looking for ways to expand our support network throughout the UK. Indeed, the support forum has given support to members from all across the UK and Worldwide. The organisation was founded in 2006, starting life as an online support forum for bereaved families. The forum is still an integral part of what we do, and is available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week for grieving parents to read and post messages, giving and receiving support. In 2007, Life After Loss was granted Charitable Status by HMRC. We believe that by offering support and friendship to each other, parents whose lives have been devastated by the loss of a baby can begin to heal and to pick up the pieces of their broken lives. Life may never be the same, but slowly it can be rebuilt, eventually you can learn to smile again.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Who the charity helps
- Men
- Mental health
- Parents
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Counselling/support
- Medical/health/sickness
