Hywel Dda marks Baby Loss awareness week

24 September 2025

Baby Loss Awareness Week is an annual event held from 9-15 October to bring together those affected by pregnancy and baby loss in remembrance, culminating in the global Wave of Light event.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s spiritual care department and midwifery, gynaecology and neonatal team are committed to supporting those affected by stillbirth, loss in pregnancy or the death of a baby. This week is also an opportunity to honour the lives of these special babies.

This support extends to parents, families, friends, and healthcare staff who were, or would have been an important part of these babies’ lives.

Throughout the week, blue and pink lights will be displayed in the Chapel / Quiet Rooms in Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush hospitals.

Three events have also been arranged to provide bereaved parents, families and friends with a safe and supportive space to come together in memory of the babies who lit up our lives for such a short time. Health Board staff will be in attendance to offer support.

Pembrokeshire

• Tuesday 7 October 2025 at 7pm.

Location: Chapel, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PZ.
This will form part of the annual Forget Me Not service.

Ceredigion

• Thursday 9 October 2025 at 6:30pm.

Location: Council Chambers, National Library of Wales, Penglais Hill, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BU.
Families and friends will be greeted at the main entrance on arrival.

The health board is grateful to the National Library of Wales for their support. The building will also be lit in blue and pink lights throughout the week. Ample free parking is available.

Carmarthenshire

• Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 4.30pm

Location: Parc Howard, Felinfoel Road, Llanelli, SA15 3LJ.

A short ceremony and fresh flowers will be placed on the memorial stone dedicated to remembered babies who have died too soon.

Due to potential weather conditions, the first part of the service will take place in the entrance foyer of Parc Howard Museum. The health board is grateful to Parc Howard staff, Llanelli Town Council and Carmarthenshire County Council for their support.  On street parking is available on Parc Howard Avenue.

Wave of Light – Wednesday 15 October 2025, 7pm.

The Wave of Light marks the conclusion of Baby Loss Awareness Week. At 7pm,the Senior Chaplain of the Health Board will light a battery-operated candle in the Chapel / Quiet Room at Glangwili Hospital in memory of all the babies who lit up our lives for such a short time.

You are warmly invited to join us by lighting a candle at home or in a communal space (please use battery-operated candles where possible and take care if using real flames.)

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a special time to honour the brief but beautiful lives of the babies we carry in our hearts.

“It’s also a moment to stand together in love and remembrance, offering comfort to those who grieve. Whether you can join us at one of our events or light a candle at home, your act of remembrance helps shine a light of hope and solidarity across our communities.”

If you are unable to attend an event but would like to forward a message to be included, please email loved.forever.hdd@wales.nhs.uk

If you need further support or have been affected by Baby Loss Awareness Week, please contact Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board on euryl.howells2@wales.nhs.uk or call 01267 227563.

If urgent support is needed, please call Glangwili Hospital’s switchboard on 01267 235151 and ask for the Long Range contact.