Today, research released by Sands has shed new light on the devastating experiences of bereaved parents and the lack of consistent access to mental health support following baby loss.Â
Sadly, this is something we at Petals witness every day. The report’s key conclusion is that all bereaved parents should receive the psychological support they deserve. We couldn’t agree more!Â
Petals is the only charity already delivering the solution to many of the findings in this report. Our work directly meets the standards set by the NHS Bereavement Care Pathway, the Ockenden recommendations and now, the critical gaps highlighted in today’s report. Â
The service we provide at Petals is not only is a cost-effective solution for the NHS, but even more importantly: it’s clinically proven and specialised mental health support, it’s fast, it’s available to all, and it works. Here’s what we offer:
We are providing specialist mental health support. Â
The Petals Counselling Programme Has been developed specifically to support parents through the trauma and grief of baby loss. It is clinically verified and delivered by qualified and experienced counsellors.
We are fast.
Clients wait 1.1 day from referral to first contact, and then 13 days from referral to their triage appointment.
We are for both parents. Â
As standard our counselling is available for couples.
We are removing barriers to access.
Our counselling is free at the point of access, available online and we offer interpretation and a sign language service. Â
We are changing mental health outcomes. Â
After Petals counselling…
82% of parents report improved mental health
92% of parents found ways to cope with their loss
91% of parents were able to process trauma they had suffered. Â
Access to mental health support shouldn’t depend on your postcode. We are ready and able to expand our service; the only thing holding us back is funding. Every week we are forced to turn parents away.  Â
Petals is working successfully with some NHS trusts and ICBs who fund our counselling, but sadly most don’t. That means thousands of people who experience baby loss every year can only receive our help with the backing of our fundraising community. Our ambition is to grow our income so we can say yes to every bereaved parent who needs us – through both sustainable fundraising and through more NHS funding.
This is a critical moment for bereaved parents — and we need your help to ensure they receive the support they deserve. Here’s how you can take action today:
1. Show your support publicly
If you believe that Petals is part of the solution, let others know. Simply add your voice by commenting on our social media posts with the words:
“Petals is the answer.”
Every comment helps raise awareness and demonstrates the need for our service.
2. Help us reach decision-makers
We want to open a conversation with the new Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting. If you’re commenting on our social media, tag him and let him know how vital Petals’ support is for bereaved parents. Your voice can help bring this issue to the top of the agenda.
3. Donate if you can
Every donation helps us fund more specialist counselling sessions for parents who have experienced the trauma of baby loss.
A one-off gift makes a difference.
A regular donation creates lasting impact.
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