Dumfries and Galloway Council headquarters turn pink and blue for baby Loss Awareness Week

The council headquarters building in Dumfries’ English Street turned pink and blue in memory of babies who died during or shortly after childbirth.

The tribute was to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week which is now in its 18th year.

A council spokesman said: “To mark the week, our council HQ was lit pink and blue to show our care and support to those who have experienced a tragic loss.”

The gesture was welcomed by Dumfries Provost Tracey Little and South Scotland MSP Emma Harper. Ms Harper said: “I’m pleased the council lit their buildings to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

“I wrote to the council to request this as I recently delivered a speech in Members Business in parliament and highlighted the need for even more care for bereaved families who have experienced baby loss.

“I spoke about the trauma experienced by people who have been preparing for a new life and the importance of organisations such as SiMBA charity which operates Scotland wide and here in Dumfries and Galloway. 

“Baby loss and miscarriage can have a profound emotional impact upon women, their partners and their family and we must look to see what additional care can be given to people who suffer.

“SiMBA formed in 2007 and helps bereaved parents in a variety of ways including providing memory boxes and trees of tranquillity and I’m aware from my own experience of talking to many families, how much these boxes can mean to them.

“Their support also helps raise awareness and addresses the aim of the campaign which is to open conversation and break down the stigma of baby loss and miscarriage”.