Never Forgotten is a baby loss support group based at St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme. The group is run by Rachelle Johnson, who started the group in memory of her daughter Enyah after realising the importance of having access to support and resources after experiencing the loss of a baby.
“Baby loss is an unimaginable tragedy that affects the lives of parents, extended family members and family friends”, says Rachelle. “It leaves behind emotional and psychological scars. The pain of losing a baby is often described as one of the most intense and enduring forms of grief, defying the natural order of life and leaving families broken. We are here to support those who have experienced baby loss through their grief with our peer support group and well-being sessions."
The group runs bi-weekly during term time and is a welcoming, friendly, non-judgemental environment. A three-year grant from Council for Social Aid allows Rachelle to provide these sessions completely free of charge to attendees, and extra support from Mind also means the group can run several additional well-being days.
Explaining the importance of the work carried out by the group, the only one of its kind in Trafford, Rachelle says:
“Our peer support allows attendees to connect with others who have shared experiences and provide compassionate care. The main purpose of the group is to ensure people affected by baby loss know that they are not alone. Never Forgotten has built a community, where support continues outside of sessions.
“We are so lucky to run the group at the church; the grounds are beautiful and we have a lovely outdoor space in nature which we can use during the warmer months. We also have access to the church itself and we regularly light candles for our loved ones.”
Never Forgotten Baby Loss peer support group meets every other Sunday during term time from 6:15 – 8:15 pm at St Mary the Virgin, Davyhulme Road, Manchester, MY1 7BU.
If you would like to find out more about Never Forgotten, please get in touch with Rachelle at: rachellenj@hotmail.com
