A woman in Stroud is setting up a support group after her experiences of miscarriages led her to realise the lack of support which is out there.

After having her third miscarriage in 2019, Sophie Manuel set up Miscarriage Mumma, a blog page aimed to support those who have suffered from similar experiences.

Ms Manuel is now taking this a step further and has plans to provide a safe space for people in the Stroud area who are undergoing or have undergone a similar ordeal.

The mission of Miscarriage Mumma is to give people a non-judgemental, non-comparative, safe space to talk alongside peers.

“It is for local people who have been through miscarriages. They will find a safe space to talk but without any pressure.”

“Friends and family find it hard to talk about as they haven’t had that excitement to deal with the loss. It sometimes seems as if it is not a big deal.”

In 2020 Miscarriage Mumma started fundraising for two couples who needed private fertility treatment, and after realising there is little or no support for miscarriages, especially if they occur within the first 12 weeks, the idea to create this safe space occurred.

A few hundred people have already been in contact, and the support group will also offer wellness workshops, yoga and a safe space for conversation.

“The aim is to keep it free for those who access the services,” says Ms Manuel.  

“We understand that every loss matters and everyone has the right to grieve,” wrote a post from Miscarriage Mumma.

This new support group will offer both virtual and physical support groups in which couples are welcomed to speak openly, ask questions or simply observe.

"We understand that everyone is different so we encourage everyone to participate in whatever way they feel comfortable.”

The first session is on Tuesday, January 11 and will take place between 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Bridge Youth Services Café in Stonehouse High Street.

They also have a workshop organised on January 30 at Cam memorial hall.

You can follow Miscarriage Mumma on Facebook for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/MiscarriageMummaSupport/