fbpx

We are delighted to announce that Petals has just launched a counselling service in Ipswich…

Petals was given the go-ahead to set up the service out of Ipswich Hospital after a Framlingham couple told their story to the CEO of the Trust, Nick Hulme. Emma & James Strachan travelled to Cambridge and back several times for counselling with Petals following the loss of their baby Bonnie in 2015.

“Talking to our Petals counsellor allowed us to process our loss and begin the natural grieving process, something we had subconsciously put on hold as we were in shock and utter disbelief, not knowing which way to turn to deal with losing Bonnie.  We were gently guided in talking about our experience and gradually we began to see the benefits of expressing our thoughts and feelings. We began to accept our tragic loss and with that we were able to cherish our love for Bonnie and allow her memory to grow”, explained Emma.

“I think direct access to Petals at Ipswich Hospital is invaluable, knowing that the right person is there to help when parents are ready fulfils the missing link and this will hugely facilitate the journey for families in rebuilding their lives after baby loss”.

Emma and James were joined in their cause by Ipswich Hospital bereavement midwife Ali Brett. “I am so pleased to be able to bring Petals to Ipswich Hospital. It is widely recognised that bereavement counselling is an invaluable necessity after the loss of a loved one and until now, there wasn’t a dedicated baby loss counselling service in the local area. Petals will be an extra asset to the bereavement service currently offered.”

Following their pitch, the Hospital Trust endorsed the service in Ipswich and as a result, funding from The Ipswich Hospital Charity was allocated to fund the pilot of two trained Petals counsellors to deliver the service from Friday 8th, September.

CEO of Petals Karen Burgess said “We are delighted to be able to bring our sought after counselling service to Ipswich Hospital – many couples like Emma and James are making the long journey to Cambridge which indicates the desperation of parents needing emotional guidance following the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby. This also will also enable us work closely with the maternity bereavement team at Ipswich Hospital who will be one of 12 NHS Trusts across the country piloting a national bereavement care pathway for baby loss.”