Saying Goodbye Service Edinburgh

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A Saying Goodbye Service is being held at St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh on Monday 30th September for anyone who has lost a baby in pregnancy, at birth or in early years.

About Saying Goodbye Service Edinburgh

The Saying Goodbye Services are the first international set of remembrance services for people who have lost a child at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, whether the loss be recent or 80 years ago. In addition, anyone who has been through fertility treatment or who has never been able to have children for whatever reason, is most welcome.

Since 2012, over 170 services have been held across the UK, North America and France, allowing tens of thousands of people to remember the babies they have lost. The services are completely free to attend, do not need tickets or any advance bookings, and are open to anyone of any faith or no faith. They have been strategically located, to make them accessible to as many people as possible, and services take place within 60-90 minutes of the majority of the UK population.

The Mariposa Trust is a non-religious charity, but has seen the importance of the Saying Goodbye services taking place in magnificent Cathedrals, Minsters and Abbey’s. These venues are used for the most important events of state, from coronations and weddings to important civic events, and services of remembrance should take no less a place within society. The services follow an Anglican format, and include secular music, poetry, acts of remembrance and other elements.

Who Can Attend the Services?
The services are for women and men who have suffered the loss of a baby, as well as for their children and their extended family and friends, whether the loss be recent or historic. In addition, anyone who has been through fertility treatment or who has never been able to have children for whatever reason, is most welcome.

It should also be noted that all are welcome regardless of the type or circumstances of loss they have experienced. Whether you have been through early or late miscarriage, missed miscarriage, an ectopic or molar pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal or early infant loss or any other type of baby or child loss, all are welcome.

If you need to say goodbye to a baby or to grieve, or you want to come along with a friend who needs to say goodbye, you are welcome at any of the services.

Why Should I Attend the Services?
Loss at any stage is traumatic. Early loss is often not acknowledged or discussed, with commemorative services seldom taking place. Services for babies who are stillborn or lost in early years, are usually conducted while parents are in a fog of grief and pain.

The services will give you the opportunity to stand with other people ‘who know’ the pain of losing a child, and offer you a time to publicly acknowledge and remember children who have been lost.

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