The loss of a baby during pregnancy or in infancy is a devastating experience, so the midwives of SSAFA’s Community Health Care Team in Cyprus are joining families to remember these children during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
This week, families have the chance to remember their loved ones with pink and blue ribbons, with buildings being lit up in the same colours. The week will culminate in a global lighting of candles, creating a ‘Wave of Light’.
Carol Hasell of SSAFA’s Midwifery Team, said: “We’re arranging events in Dhekelia, Ayios Nikolaos (Ay Nik), Akrotiri and Episkopi for people to share experiences and show support for those who have experienced the loss of a baby, whether or not they have been directly affected themselves.
“In Eastern Sovereign Base Area, a memorial tree will be planted at St Patrick’s Church in Ay Nik as a permanent place for parents to visit and remember their lost ones. Last year this was done at St Barnabas’s Church in Dhekelia, and during Baby Loss Awareness Week, ribbons and messages can be placed on the trees in both remembrance gardens.”
The team is also arranging services in the memorial gardens of the various chapels and churches within the garrisons.
Carol said: “The padres are supporting services where people can light a candle and take place in the global Wave of Light, because by lighting the candles together, it is an opportunity to unite across Cyprus and globally in remembering those babies born – and gone – too soon.”
Wave of Light services will be held at St Patrick’s Church, Ay Nik on October 14 at 7pm, Episkopi Garrison Church, on October 14 at 7pm, and at St Barnabas’s Church, Dhekelia on October 15 at 6.45pm.
The Community Health Care Team provides support such as health visiting for UK families posted abroad, including Cyprus, Gibraltar, Brunei, Kenya and Canada.
If you’re in Cyprus and have been affected by the loss of a pregnancy or baby, and would like support, then you can talk to the SSAFA Midwifery Team – ESBA (+357) 2474 4922; Episkopi (+357) 2596 3255; Akrotiri (+357) 2527 6553.