14/10/2026
A new resource offering compassionate support to individuals and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss has been officially launched at the Guildhall on Tuesday 13 October 2026 during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026.
Willows Embrace: A Gentle Guide Through Pregnancy and Baby Loss was launched at the Great Hall, Guildhall, bringing people together to raise awareness, remember babies who are loved and missed, and highlight the importance of sensitive and accessible support for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
The book has been developed as a gentle and supportive resource for individuals and families navigating grief following pregnancy and baby loss. It recognises that every experience of loss and grief is unique and aims to provide comfort, understanding and helpful information at a time when knowing where to turn can sometimes feel difficult.
Seamus McConnellogue, Practice Manager, Park Medical Great James Street Health Centre explained:
“The development of Willows Embrace has been a truly collaborative project. Sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to all the individuals, professionals and partner organisations who have generously contributed their time, knowledge, experience and support to bringing this important resource to life.
“The commitment and compassion of everyone involved have been central to the development of Willows Embrace. Through working together and sharing expertise, a resource has been created that it is hoped will make a meaningful difference to individuals and families experiencing pregnancy and baby loss.
“Special acknowledgement and gratitude are extended to those with lived experience who helped inform and shape this work. Their voices, experiences and contributions have been invaluable in helping to ensure the resource approaches pregnancy and baby loss with the sensitivity, dignity and compassion it deserves.”
Speaking at the launch event mum Laura McConnellogue who was involved in the creation of the Willows Embrace booklet said:
“‘May this gentle guide be an anchor for every parent and family who find themselves amidst the storm, and a reminder that every baby matters, every baby is loved, and every baby is remembered. May these pages honour the lives of the babies who touched our hearts, and offer comfort, compassion and a flickering light of hope to all who carry their memory.’’
Following the launch, patients who would like to find out more about Willows Embrace can contact the Social Work team within their GP practice, where further information and support can be provided.
To make the resource as accessible as possible, Willows Embrace will also be available digitally through a QR code following the launch. This will enable people to access this valuable resource easily and privately, at a time and in a place that feels right for them.
“The launch of Willows Embrace during Baby Loss Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to continue conversations around pregnancy and baby loss, raise awareness of the support available and help ensure that individuals and families know where they can turn for compassionate support and information.
“Heartfelt thanks are extended to everyone who attended the launch, supported the project and worked collaboratively to bring Willows Embrace to life. It is hoped that this valuable resource will continue to provide comfort, understanding and support to individuals and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss for many years to come.”
