Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service

The annual Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place on Saturday 29 April 2023 in Carmarthen.

The service, arranged by health board staff and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and provides an opportunity for people to reflect and to come together to pay respects, light a candle and write a message in a safe space.

The service will take place at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, Carmarthen SA31 3BT at midday on Saturday 29 April. Bethel Chapel can be found behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre on Picton Terrace with ample parking available.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “This service of remembrance is an important moment in the year when parents and families who has been affected by the very sad experience of babies who have passed away.”

“Infant and pregnancy loss is a very lonely grief. This space is a time to gather and remember precious little ones whether the loss was recent or in the more distant past.”

“We can connect with each other as a community and share our grief journeys.  United we honour our precious ones, together we help each other to heal.”

“We are grateful of the support and kindness of Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church who will be providing refreshments”

The service will be suitable for multi-faith and those of no-faith. As well as an act of remembrance, there will be prayers, readings, poems, and music for reflection from an instrumentalist and singer. There will also be an opportunity to light candles and time to place a message on the memory tree.

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to Loved.Forever.HDD@wales.nhs.uk by Thursday 27 April 2023