A miscarriage support charity is bringing its services to the Highlands to help families through pregnancy loss
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MISS was founded by Abi Clarke in 2017 after she went through a miscarriage at seven weeks in 2015.
During this time, Ms Clark felt a huge lack of support and wanted to start this charity to ensure other families have a better experience.
She now has two healthy children but her lost baby is still a part of the family.
Ms Clark said she realised there was a massive gap between how families were treated and what the parents needed.
MISS, set up in Aberdeen, aims to create awareness and give better rights to women facing the aftermath of a miscarriage.
It offers a variety of free services including an online support group, memory boxes, support packs, support services and one-to-one online sessions.
MISS also provides support to men affected by miscarriages.
MISS services are not just available to people who have lost a baby, but to those who want to be pregnant and would like to learn about the service and options if the worst were to happen.
As part of the expansion to the Highlands, MISS aims to establish a walking group so grieving mums and dads can walk and talk to help overcome their loss in a more informal manner.
Ms Clark said: “After a traumatic experience of my own loss and a really difficult year losing my father-in-law in 2015, shortly after I fell pregnant and now have two beautiful and healthy children with my husband which we are very grateful for.
“After the birth of my first child, I had the idea to start a support group which is now MISS as I wanted to ensure that parents don’t leave the hospital feeling unsupported and alone after a loss of their precious baby.
“As well as this, with our memory boxes and support packs, I wanted to create items which parents can keep for life with memories of their babies and during milestones/anniversaries they have something to remember them. Items in these packs include candles, flower seeds, a teddy bear and a card which is a message from the parents.
“MISS is keen to expand into the Highlands after listening to member feedback and speaking with communities that their is a real need for early pregnancy loss support in this area.
“After the last two years we haven’t been able to carry out our usual activities, and a simple health walk is all that people need. Being in fresh air, outdoors and speaking with other like-minded individuals can massively improve their mental health and wellbeing.”
To help, get in touch with Emma Mitchell on 07764 192503.
