Kent based charity urge support to continue beyond Baby Loss Awareness week
Making Miracles offers support however long ago a family’s loss happened
Families in Kent who have experienced baby loss are being encouraged to reach out for support, however long ago their loss happened.
Making Miracles, which began in Medway, provides counselling, memorial items and opportunities for families to share their stories.
Its founder and chief executive, Kelly Wells, told Greatest Hits Radio Kent that support extends to mums, dads, couples, grandparents and siblings.
The charity supports families affected by loss at any stage of pregnancy and following the death of a baby up to one year after birth.
Kelly said:
“You're not on your own. There is a community out here that understands and support you and you need to reach out.
"Don't suffer in silence. Don't be on your own. It's the most isolating feeling in the world.
You don't need to do that. We're here for you.”
Support whenever it is needed
Kelly said the charity’s work continues throughout the year and its services are oversubscribed:
"One week out of the year isn't near enough. Every week of the year for us is Baby Loss Awareness Week because that's our jobs, that's our roles and that's our passion that we want to be able to reach these people."
"And there are other baby loss charities out there and the work is never done. There's never enough. We are oversubscribed.
"There's so much work to be done. And the one in four affected by a baby loss, whilst that's a statistic that we all share, because that's verified, I believe it's much more than that."
Since opening, Making Miracles have expanded beyond Kent, with Kelly saying its podcast now reaches listeners in countries including Australia, India, the United States and Canada.
The podcast gives people an opportunity to talk about their experiences and remember their babies.
How friends and family can help
Kelly encouraged friends and relatives to listen, acknowledge the loss and ask what support someone needs.
She warned against comments suggesting a loss matters less because it happened early in pregnancy or because someone has another child.
Kelly said:
“Just watch your language, be open and willing to discuss and ask what they need and be there for them.
Just listen.”
She said people do not always need to find the right words, but can help by being present and willing to hear about someone’s baby.
Volunteers needed in Kent
The charity is also asking for support to help fund its services through its Handmade with Love shops.
Kelly said it has four shops, in Maidstone, Bluewater, Bexleyheath and Chatham Dockside, selling items made by volunteers and knitters.
It is looking for people who can make crafts, volunteer for shop shifts or organise workplace fundraising.
Kelly said:
“We really, really need local support to make sure we can continue with our services.”