Episode 5:  Abigail's Footsteps - Fundraising Heroes

In the final episode of Series 2 of A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, we explore the profound impact this baby loss charity has on families across the UK. This episode features inspiring stories from Emma Holt, Niall Cowperthwaite, Andy Purvis & Keeley Lengthorn who share their personal experiences and incredible fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways:

- Emma and Niall recount their emotional journey through baby loss and how an Abigail’s cooling cot provided precious moments with their son. And discover how community support helped them raise over £20,000 for more cooling cots.

- Hear about Andy Purvis’s ambitious plan to row across the Atlantic to support grieving parents.

Listen now to be inspired by their strength and learn how you can make a difference!

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Episode 4: Black Maternity Care Matters 

In this episode, we delve into maternity care for black women and their families. Our guest Keji Moses shares her journey through baby loss and founding Mayah’s Legacy, a charity advocating for compassionate care after such devastating experiences. We also hear from Teean Robinson-Smith about her personal story of losing her daughter Jet.

### Key Topics Discussed:

1. **Keji Moses' Story**:

  - The emotional toll of multiple miscarriages.

  - Founding Mayah’s Legacy.

  - Navigating cultural sensitivities around baby loss.

2. **The Importance of Culturally Sensitive Care**:

  - Understanding diverse cultural practices related to pregnancy and childbirth.

  - Tailoring healthcare approaches to meet specific needs without making assumptions based on race or ethnicity.

3. **Teean Smith-Robinson’s Experience**:

  - Facing premature membrane rupture (PROM) at 20 weeks.

  - The emotional distress caused by inadequate hospital care during COVID-19 restrictions.

  - Advocating for better bereavement support in hospitals.

#AbigailsFootsteps #BabyLossAwareness #BlackMaternalHealth #MaternityCare #GriefAndHealing #KejiMosesStory #MayahsLegacy #BereavementSupport #BreakingTheSilence #CompassionateCare #CharityPodcast 

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Episode 3: The Benefit of Baby Loss Training 

In this episode, we delve into the essential work being done by Abigail's Footsteps, a charity that is dedicated to providing support and training for midwives dealing with baby loss. Host Nicola Everett speaks with Paula Abramson from Bereavement Training International about her journey and partnership with Abigail's Footsteps, highlighting how their initiatives have trained over 4,500 healthcare professionals. We also hear from Kirstin Shepherd who has recently completed her training along with midwifery lecturers Laura Hutton & Joanna Swanton and Lead Counsellor Naomi Marston. 

Key Takeaways: 

- Importance of tailored bereavement support for each family's unique needs. 

- The critical role of proper training in empowering midwives to handle sensitive situations effectively.

- Real-life insights from newly qualified midwife Kirstin Shepherd on navigating emotional challenges. 

Tune in to understand how these efforts are making a profound difference.

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Episode 2: Navigating Twin & Triplet Loss 

Join us for an emotional journey in this episode of "A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps," where we dive deep into the difficult yet inspiring stories of parents who have experienced twin and triplet loss. Hosted by Nicola Everett, a proud ambassador of Abigail's Footsteps, this episode sheds light on the profound impact baby loss has on families across the UK. 

Episode Key Points: 

- Emily Cooke shares her personal experience with twin loss, highlighting the medical challenges and emotional rollercoaster she faced.

- Sharon Darke & Suzie Scofield talk about their experiences and what led them to set up their own charity Footprints Baby Loss 

- The importance of creating tangible memories to honour lost babies and how it aids in healing.

- Insights from Jenny Bradshaw, one of Abigail’s counsellors, on supporting grieving parents through their unique journeys.

Tune in to hear these powerful stories that aim to break down the wall of silence surrounding baby loss. Listen now for heartfelt discussions filled with resilience, hope, and ways you can support affected families. 

#AbigailsFootsteps #BabyLossAwareness #TwinToTwinTransfusionSyndrome #PregnancyJourney #MaternalMentalHealth #BreakingTheSilence #ParenthoodSupport #ResilienceAndHope #CharityWorkUK #NICUWarrior  

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Episode 1 - Abigail's Footsteps: From The Beginning 

In this episode of A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, Nicola Everett, an ambassador for the baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps, introduces the second series. The podcast aims to highlight the significant impact that Abigail’s Footsteps has made on families across the UK. 

Interview with Jo Ward 

• Jo Ward, mother of Abigail and co-founder of Abigail’s Footsteps.
• Emotional recounting of losing her daughter at 41 weeks.
• Lack of adequate hospital support led to founding the charity.

Evolution and Impact

• From a local initiative to a national organisation.
• Provision of cold cots to hospitals allowing bereaved parents time with their babies.

Establishment of Abigail’s Place

• Bereavement suite at Medway Maritime Hospital named after Abigail.
  • Facilities include bedroom, living room, kitchen, and office space for medical procedures.

Support Services

Counselling services and specialist bereavement training for healthcare professionals provided by the charity.

Lynne Sheridan and Karen McIntyre discuss:

• Initial discussions leading to trust-wide support for creating comforting environments like Abigail's Place.
• Securing hospital space into homely environments offering dignity to grieving families.

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

VISIT THE ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS WEBSITE

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

Other useful links:

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

Counselling Directory

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophiaandanthonyburke

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

On episode 4, we listen to the poignant stories of Dad's, Jack Jeffrey, Tom Gower and Ryan Godolphin, who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby. They share their personal journeys navigating grief, anxiety during subsequent pregnancies and the struggle with societal expectations. Their experiences underscore an urgent need for increased recognition and tailored mental health support for bereaved fathers as well as the importance of self-care and prioritizing mental health in times of crisis. Later in the episode, Nicola speaks with Naomi Marston, a specialist bereavement counsellor and ambassador for Abigail's Footsteps.

VISIT THE ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS WEBSITE

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

Other useful links:

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

Counselling Directory

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

VISIT THE ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS WEBSITE

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

https://www.bond-group.com/

Other useful links:

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

Counselling Directory

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

In episode two of a Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, we explore the painful reality of baby loss. It features three mothers, Molly, Sarah and Dein, who share their heart-wrenching experiences and how they found support in Abigail's Footsteps - a charity providing counselling services, memory-making resources and training for healthcare professionals. The discussion also highlights the importance of bereavement suites in hospitals and calls for better access to grief counselling services. Later in the episode, Nicola talks with Sam Collins, an Ambassador for Abigail's Footsteps who is the co-author of a Government published Pregnancy Loss review and Amneet Graham who set up the 'Willow's Rainbow Box' charity to help parents who are having another baby after a loss.

VISIT THE ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS WEBSITE

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

Other useful links:

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

Counselling Directory

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/mum-raises-thousands-for-bereavement-charity-241890/

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Episode 1 delves into the work of Abigail's Footsteps, a charity that aids families experiencing baby loss and provides training for healthcare professionals. Join Nicola Everett as she discusses the silent grief associated with baby loss, which is estimated to affect one in four pregnancies in the UK.  Personal stories of resilience are shared, including co-founder David Ward's experience losing his daughter Abigail. The podcast highlights the challenges grieving parents face and emphasises the need for more appropriate bereavement training. It also covers how Abigail's Footsteps aims to improve hospital conditions for bereaved parents and break societal silence around baby loss.

VISIT THE ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS WEBSITE

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

Other useful links:

The Compassionate Friends

Child Bereavement UK

Counselling Directory

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

The Abigail’s team are always happy to help. 

For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/

https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/

https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity

#AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail