A Ribbon for every baby remembered
Community display aims to help those affected by baby loss feel less alone
A special remembrance wall has returned to Corby Library, offering a place for families to remember babies they have lost during Baby Loss Awareness Week which takes place from 9th-15th October.
The Ribbon Remembrance Wall, now in its third year, is open to anyone affected by baby loss, regardless of how long ago their loss occurred. Ribbons and pens are available at the library, allowing people to leave a ribbon, write a name or message, or simply take a quiet moment of reflection.
Organiser Lauren Chavilion shared the personal inspiration behind the event, which came after her own experience of loss 15 years ago when her son Ollie was born prematurely at 24 weeks and sadly passed away at two days old.
Speaking about why she launched the project, Lauren said she wanted to create a local space where families could remember their babies and feel less isolated in their grief.
She said: “I realised there wasn't anything in our area that was held for Baby Loss Awareness Week. I thought there has to be more than just me in this area that is impacted by this.
“I wanted it to be somewhere central that wasn't necessarily a church, because not everyone might be religious and want to go to a church. I wanted it to be somewhere in the community that was easily accessible for people and a calm environment.”
Lauren said one of the aims of the wall is to encourage conversations around baby loss and help people realise they are not alone.
“When you start having those conversations, you realise how many people it has impacted,” she said.
“Even if people don't want to leave a ribbon, maybe just knowing that it exists and seeing how many other ribbons are displayed might make someone feel less alone.”
She believes support from others who have experienced similar losses can be invaluable.
“It's not a community that you want to be a part of because it is such a horrendous thing, but there is comfort in knowing other people have experienced it”
Lauren also hopes awareness events will continue to break down barriers around discussing grief and baby loss.
“The more people that can be open about it, the less taboo it becomes,” she said.
“If someone wants to include the baby they've lost in a conversation about their children, people will feel more comfortable if the subject is less taboo.”
The remembrance wall is already in place at Corby Library and can be visited throughout Baby Loss Awareness Week. Lauren said nearly 50 ribbons had already been placed on the wall before the week began.
People are welcome to add a ribbon at any time during their visit and there is no expectation to speak to staff or anyone else while they are there.
Offering a message to anyone currently experiencing baby loss, Lauren said: “Grief and loss is felt differently by everyone and there's no right way of dealing with it.
“You just have to do what is best for you, whether that be leaving a ribbon, attending a support group, or reaching out to a charity such as Sands. There are lots of different ways to get support.”