Northern Trust to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week with remembrance events

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has announced a series of special events to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week 2025, offering families across Northern Ireland the opportunity to remember and honour babies who have gone too soon.

The annual awareness campaign, which runs from 9–15 October, aims to raise understanding of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss while providing space for families to reflect and remember.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday 5 October at 2.30pm in Portstewart Presbyterian Church. Open to all who have experienced the loss of a baby or child, the service will include a tree of remembrance for tributes and the chance to view the Trust’s book of remembrance.

Families will also be able to take part in the butterfly wall tributes, with installations at:

• Bush House, Antrim Area Hospital – Wednesday 8 October, 11am–1pm and 6pm–7.30pm

• Causeway Hospital, Coleraine – Thursday 9 October, 11am–1pm and 6pm–8.30pm

Visitors are invited to place a butterfly on the wall as a lasting symbol of love and remembrance.

The week will also feature a Wave of Light Memory Walk in the Garden of Remembrance at Antrim Area Hospital on Friday 10 October.

Participants are asked to meet at Bush House car park at 6.45pm ahead of the 7pm walk. Small LED candles will be provided to those taking part.

Families who wish to have their baby’s name read during the event, whether attending in person or not, are encouraged to email Bereavement.SupportMidwife@northerntrust.hscni.net by 5pm on Thursday 9 October.

Bereavement Support Midwife Lesley-Ann Kennedy said:

“We’re once again marking Baby Loss Awareness Week with some very special events. From October 9 – 15 look out for blue and pink lights illuminating Causeway Hospital as we openly recognise baby loss and acknowledge its impact on so many families.

“We would invite any mum, dad or family member who has been through a bereavement to get involved throughout the week and hopefully what we have planned will bring some comfort as we remember little ones who have passed away.”

In her role, Ms Kennedy provides support to women and families who have experienced bereavement at any stage while being cared for by the Trust’s maternity, gynaecology, neonatal or community services.

Families seeking help or advice can self-refer for bereavement support, or speak to their midwife, nurse, community midwife, health visitor or GP.