The Royal Cornwall Hospital Baby Memorial Service is to be held on October 14 at 2pm to coincide with National Baby Loss Week. The service will be in Truro Methodist Church.

The Baby Memorial Service gives families who have experienced the loss of a baby before or after birth to come together with the memories of their children for a service of poetry and music as well as an Act of Remembrance. It enables them to realise that they are not alone in their grief or their memories and allows them the opportunity to remember their children in a safe and supported environment.

Families from across the county are invited to attend, and many appreciate knowing that it is happening, so they can come. For some families, it is important to come straight after the loss of a baby to obtain immediate support, for others it becomes more important in the years later when the raw feelings of loss have eased, said Dr Sarah Ashley on behalf of the organisers.

All people who have been affected by the loss of a baby, no matter how or when are encouraged to attend, to reflect, to talk or simply to be amongst people who understand how it feels.

Parents and members of both national and local support organisations as well as members of the hospital's staff have been involved with the preparation of the service, and will be present on the day. The Baby Memorial Book from the hospital's chapel will be brought along for use within the service, and will be available to families after the service.