Losing a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or termination for medical reasons (TFMR), is an unimaginable heartbreak. It is normal to feel lost, isolated, and unsure where to turn for help. Across the UK, there are organisations, charities, and trained therapists offering free or donation-based counselling, peer support groups, and specialist care to help families navigate grief.

Here’s a guide to trusted services and local support groups:

UK-Wide Counselling Services

• Teddy’s Wish – Fully funded online bereavement counselling for parents after stillbirth, TFMR (from 24 weeks), neonatal death, or SIDS, available up to 18 months post-loss. Apply here

• Freddie’s Wish – Free specialist counselling with BACP-registered counsellors for parents who have lost a baby or child at any stage, from conception with no upper age limit. Find out more

• Petals Charity – Free counselling to support women, men, and couples through baby loss. Learn more

• The Lily Mae Foundation – Up to six free one-hour sessions with trained support workers, available face-to-face, by phone, or video. More info

• Aching Arms – Ongoing support via phone, text, or email, whether the loss was recent or years ago. Read more

• Chana – Free or donation-based counselling for baby loss and other bereavement in the Jewish community. Visit Chana

• HBBS Counselling – Face-to-face and online bereavement counselling in Havering and Brentwood. Learn more

• Abigail’s Footsteps – Provides free support and counselling for bereaved parents and families. Find out more

Local Parent Support Groups & Workshops

• Leyton: Maila’s Present – Free monthly creative writing workshops at Lea Bridge Library, every second Saturday.

• Waltham Forest: Daphne & Friends – Parenting-after-loss playgroups, pregnant-after-loss coffee meetups, dad darts, and grandparent online support groups.

• Havering: Love Leo – Morning & evening meetups every second Thursday and fourth Wednesday.

• Stratford: Ebony Bonds Support – In-person meetups and WhatsApp groups for Black mothers and families affected by baby loss.

• Islington & Online: SLOW (Surviving the Loss of our World) – Weekly and monthly peer support groups, in-person and online.

• Ilford: Muslim Bereavement Support Service (MBSS) – Confidential support for Muslim women after the loss of a loved one, including faith-based guidance, art therapy, and walks. Contact MBSS

Specialist Bereavement Therapists

• Elle Margetson – Baby loss & grief therapist providing structured, short-term support bridging NHS waiting-list gaps. Instagram @elle.hypnotherapy

• Roisin Nicholson – Person-centred psychotherapist supporting women through baby loss and pregnancy after loss. Website

• Julia Bueno – Psychotherapist and counsellor specialising in miscarriage, infertility, and pregnancy loss, with 20+ years’ experience. Website

• Patrice at The Black Therapy Hub – Supports Black communities affected by pregnancy and baby loss through care circles and creative workshops. Instagram @theblacktherapyhub

Online Directories & Resources

• Foundation for Infant Loss – Helpline and parent meetings to connect with other bereaved parents. Website

• Footprints Baby Loss – Online support groups for twin and triplet loss. Website

• At a Loss – Directory of baby loss therapists and counsellors. Website

• Miscarriage Association – Counsellor directory for those affected by miscarriage. Website

• ARC – Antenatal Results & Choices – Parent meetings offering an ideal opportunity to meet other bereaved women and couples in a structured but informal environment. Website

• Dr Kara, Clinical Psychologist – List of resources including therapy, counselling, and support groups. Website

If you are grieving, you are not alone. These services provide professional counselling, peer connection, and community support to help families navigate grief, honour their baby’s memory, and find healing.

Connect with MNVP

The Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) works alongside parents, carers, midwives, and healthcare professionals to help shape and improve maternity and neonatal care across Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Waltham Forest.

If you’d like to get involved, share your experiences, or find out about our upcoming listening events, you can contact the MNVP team: mnvptwn@cbplus.org.uk

You can also learn more about MNVP, our local priorities and upcoming listening events by visiting our webpage: