PARENTS across South Somerset are being encouraged to light a candle to raise awareness of baby loss this week.

Two women who run babyloss support groups in the county are encouraging people to discuss the subject during Baby Loss Awareness week, which runs until October 15.

Julz Scott, who has written a blog and had a book published about her experience after losing a child herself, runs a baby loss support group in Chard, Melody’s Voices.

She urged people, whether they have lost a baby themselves or know a family that has, to light a candle in their memory.

She said: “It really is such an important week for families who have lost a baby during and after pregnancy. No matter how long ago, parents do often still have thoughts for their lost babies.

“This year I’m personally marking the Wave of Light at The Butterfly Awards, with other families who have been through the bereavement.

“The wave of light can be done at home,or take a candle somewhere, and is usually lit at 7pm local time, creating the wave.

“If you’ve not been personally effected but know someone who has, then lighting a candle for thoughts to them are also important.

“Baby loss is at the height of taboo, nobody wants to talk about it.

“But turning your heads won’t make the problem go away.

“One in four families are effected by baby loss. That’s too many to ignore.”

Somerset woman Mel Scott set up the charity Towards Tomorrow Together in 2009, because she felt there was a lack of support for grieving parents.

Following the loss of her son Finley, who died during pregnancy, she wanted to help other parents in similar circumstance and the charity creates a brilliant support network.

She said: “Baby loss is one of the most isolating experiences that can happen to a family.

“It is made worse by the fact that the death of a baby is something that, even today, is not talked about.

“It is impossible to even consider how many people are affected by the death of a baby until it happens to you.

“Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness.

“Parents up and down the country are sharing their stories, their memories of their baby.

“It is one week in the year when silence is broken.

“It is also an opportunity for those parents to come together to participate in the Wave Of Light, where they are invited to light a candle at 7pm in their own time zone, creating a wave of light which travels around the world.

“It is a beautiful time for reflection and community.”

For further information on Baby Loss Awareness Week, or for help and support if you have lost a baby, visit babyloss-awareness.org.

For details about Towards Tomorrow Together, visit towards-tomorrow.com.