Today, CHFT Charity launch their biggest ever appeal to raise £500,000 for a new bereavement suite, and counselling room at CRH.

Our Maternity Bereavement Appeal aims to make sure that everyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, who is cared for by CHFT, receives the support they need, in an environment that’s right for them.

The funds raised will be used to create a comfortable, self-contained, home from home for families experiencing pregnancy loss, still birth or neonatal death.

Natalie, who is one of the parents who we have supported through baby loss (picture, black and white), told us: "It's important for families to have the opportunity to make memories with their baby, as this is the only thing they leave the hospital with." 

Specialist Bereavement Midwife, Sarah Hall, said: "We know that our current bereavement facilities don't support families in the best way possible and we need to change that." 

Emma Kovaleski, Head of CHFT Charity and Volunteering Services, and her team have been working hard behind the scenes to launch the appeal. Emma said: “This is our biggest ever appeal and we would love for everyone from #TeamCHFT to get behind it. Unfortunately, many of us have family, friends, and loved ones who may have experienced the extreme distress of baby loss, or miscarriage, and it’s an appeal which will be close to many of our hearts.”

You can watch a short video about the appeal, and why it matters on YouTube here. 

With £500,000 we can give families:

• a comfortable, home from home, self-contained suite for those who sadly experience a late pregnancy loss, with a birth or neonatal death. 
• the support and privacy they need, creating a welcoming environment, which includes natural day light, without disturbance from other hospital wards or departments.
• a new, beautifully furnished Counselling Room within the hospital's Early Pregnancy Unit, as a place to support people who experience early miscarriage. 

From fixtures, fittings and furnishings, to dignity packs, care packs and memory making resources, the appeal will provide the wrap around care families experiencing baby loss deserve.

How to get involved

Your help, big or small will make a difference. Find out how to get involved on the CHFT Charity website: Maternity Bereavement Appeal - CHFT Charity 

You will also find the CHFT Charity team out and about across the Trust to talk about the appeal. 

Thank you for your support.