A new sculture has been unveiled at Belfast City Hall which creates awareness of baby loss and the impact that it can have.
Friday, October 15, marked the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week with Belfast City Council lightining up City Hall pink and blue in order to highlight the occassion.
Starting on October 9, the week saw events held across Belfast in order to create awareness about baby loss and the impact that it can have on parents and families.
A special event was held at City Hall on Friday, where Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl was joined by artist Kelly Morris to unveil a poignant artwork that evoked reflection and awareness of infant loss.
It coinsided with a candle lit vigil known as the 'Wave of Light' held by charity Sands, where candles are lit across the UK at 7pm in memory of babies who have passed away.
The special sculpture was created as part of a cross-community project with women from north and west Belfast - part of the EU funded Belfast PEACE IV programme.
The project entailed 28 women of different ages and backgrounds coming together to share their personal stories of pregnancy and baby loss.
Kelly worked with the women, through Shankill and Clonard Women’s Centres, journaling their experiences where they shared their babies names, heartbreak and pain. The project involved journal writing, photography and listening and talking about their individual experiences.
The Lord Mayor said: “It is fitting this beautiful, poignant sculpture was unveiled this evening during Baby Loss Awareness Week. The courage of the women who took part in this special project - engaging in such a deeply personal journey, must be commended.
"I also want to thank Sands for being with us this evening and their invaluable work and support to bereaved parents and families who have experienced the heartbreak of baby loss.”
