Across the world families lives can be devastated by pregnancy loss, through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination for medical reasons and second trimester loss. The current figure for miscarriage before 14 weeks is that 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage - for some that can mean multiple losses know as recurrent miscarriage.

The Pinks N Blues has been supporting families who experience first and second trimester loss across the West Midlands since 2012 becoming a CIC in 2015. We have now decided to become a Charity and to do this we will need both the expertise and funding to do this properly to ensure we have a strong business plan, long term strategy and to offer a sustainable service.

Currently we offer a number of groups within some of the communities of Birmingham however we need to expand this. To do this we will be offering a robust training programme for our volunteers to deliver safe and supportive peer support. Peer Support offers families an opportunity to talk with someone who 'gets it' who knows the ripple effects of pregnancy loss and the myriad of obstacles to overcome. Some of our families will be also going through fertility treatment, others will experience recurrent miscarriage without knowing the reason why, a number of our families will have to make the heartbreaking decision to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons.

Whilst most funding goes into the vital research of pregnancy loss and national charities there is little to support the emotional wellbeing of those who experience pregnancy loss and that is where we make the difference.

Families are also supported through coaching techniques to be able to return to work, how to have the conversation of pregnancy loss in the workplace and most importantly self-care when returning to work.

The Pinks N Blues offers support to families who are Pregnant After Loss (PAL) on a one-to-one basis and within a group. These sessions enable parents to share their anxieties, to explore different techniques to support their emotional well-being and being confident in speaking up about their care if they are not satisfied.

We are currently in the process of relaunching and the funds we raise are vital in doing this right. Please email enquiry@thepinksnblues.co.uk for support and/or if you would like to know more about our work.

Follow us on Twitter @thepinksnblues and join us @FASTLossChat every Monday 8-9pm which is a mix of peer support, research and information