CHARITY
ABIGAIL ’ S FOOTSTEPS
BASED IN MEDWAY , THE CHARITY ABIGAIL ’ S FOOTSTEPS PROVIDES SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING FOR BEREAVED PARENTS , AS WELL AS SPECIALIST BEREAVEMENT TRAINING FOR MIDWIVES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS . SADLY , STILLBIRTHS AND NEO-NATAL DEATHS OCCUR DAILY , YET MANY HOSPITALS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THE PARENTAL CARE REQUIRED , HAVE INADEQUATE FACILITIES AND THEIR STAFF RECEIVE LITTLE TO NO BEREAVEMENT TRAINING . BY WORKING WITH MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES AND SEEK SOLUTIONS ABIGAIL ’ S FOOTSTEPS HAS HELPED MANY FAMILIES .
A bereaved mother from Kent who was supported by Abigail ’ s Footsteps said , “ Thank you , Abigail ’ s Footsteps , you will never know how grateful I am for your support , you have helped me in more ways than you realise .”
A major part of the charity ’ s work , that is making a huge difference to parent ’ s lives across the country , has been ‘ Abi Cooling Cots ’ which were developed in partnership with The Bond Group . The Abi Cot is a refrigerated cot that allows parents to spend more time with their deceased baby than would otherwise be possible , helping parents bond with their baby and aiding the grieving process . Over 100 have been distributed across the UK with an objective to deliver one to every hospital across the country .
“ Our charity strives to make a difference to all parents across the country , by providing every hospital with at least one Abi Cooling Cot , allowing families to spend time together to say goodbye and make vital memories .” David Ward , charity co-founder and trustee , Abigail ’ s Footsteps .
The charity also focuses on funding training for professionals , to enhance high-quality support and care for families following the death of a baby . At the beginning of 2022 , the charity commissioned a second training film , Say My Baby ’ s Name ; Pregnancy After Loss which focuses on the experience of a mother having her next child , following the death of her previous baby .
The film , a sequel to the ground breaking Deafening Silence will form part of the Abigail ’ s Angels Training programme for midwives and health professionals to better understand how to support bereaved parents and families .
In June this year , the charity invited vice presidents Julie Etchingham , Cheryl Baker , Louise Giblin , Craig Chalmers and Faryl Smith , fundraisers and supporters , to an evening reception at the House of Lords , hosted by their patron , Lady Astor of Hever . The group gathered to commemorate the donation of the first cot by the CEO over 10 years ago and to celebrate delivering over 100 Abi Cooling Cots across the country .
If you are interested in finding out more about the support Abigail ’ s Footsteps provides , getting involved with the work they do in the community , fundraising or donating towards Abi Cooling Cots , please visit www . abigailsfootsteps . co . uk .
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