Vilomah Baby Loss Charity, a new charity founded by bereaved parents who understand first-hand how isolating the loss of a child can be, has announced its first dedicated service to support parents living with grief after the loss of a child.

Originating from a grassroots football team formed in 2019 to bring together dads facing bereavement, FC Vilomah has been raising vital funds and awareness for families affected by baby loss.

Some of these parents then decided to formally launch as a charity, and in 2023, Vilomah Baby Loss Charity was created. Vilomah’s mission is to address the lack of accessible, specialist and compassionate support that its founders themselves struggled to find.

Its first project is in partnership with Lightwell Counselling, part of Havens Hospices, which will provide specialist baby loss bereavement counselling to parents known to Vilomah, who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby or young child.

Lightwell Counselling provides a safe, confidential and understanding environment where individuals can talk openly about their feelings, receive professional guidance, and begin the healing process.

By funding this service for the families they support, Vilomah Baby Loss Charity will enable Lightwell Counselling to reach even more people in the community, supporting them through the often complex and confusing journey of grief.

Sarah Bunce, Counselling Service Lead at Lightwell Counselling and Havens Hospices, said, “We are honoured to partner with Vilomah Baby Loss Charity to extend our bereavement support to families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a baby. Through Lightwell Counselling, we can offer a safe space for people who may not typically be able to access care and support from a hospice, to process their grief and find understanding.”

Simon Johns from Vilomah Baby Loss Charity said, “This partnership means so much to us. We know first-hand how isolating grief can be, especially for parents following the loss of a baby. Working with Havens Hospices and Lightwell means we can give families access to professional counselling and help them take that first step towards healing.”

To learn more or enquire about support for those experiencing the loss of a baby, please contact Vilomah Baby Loss Charity at www.vilomahbabylosscharity.org.uk or email vilomahbabylosscharity@gmail.com