Anyone who has suffered the devastating loss of a baby can remember their child at a poignant memorial outside South Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters in Hamilton.
Pink, white and blue ribbons can be tied to the railings at the Almada Street building to mark the current baby loss awareness week, which runs until Tuesday, October 15.
Hamilton town house will also be illuminated in blue and pink during this week, as will NHS Lanarkshire’s three acute hospitals.
The ribbon tribute at the council headquarters is being led by Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, whose daughter Carys was born asleep.
She said: “I hope [it] will spark conversations about baby loss and give bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.
“I know from experience that losing a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, is devastating, and it’s important to find ways of marking the fact that your baby existed.
“This public display of ribbons will be appreciated greatly, not only by the babies’ parents but also their wider families; my message to them is to feel free to come along to our display when they feel comfortable, to pay tribute to their precious child, no matter how much time has passed.
“I was amazed at the amount of people who took part last year; I hope it brings comfort to many and goes some way towards breaking the stigma around baby loss.”
Blue, pink and white ribbons are available in a bag at the railings outside the council building, along with a pen to enable a short personal message to be written; while those unable to visit in person can place a virtual ribbon online.
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