Holding Her Space

A P P R E C I A T I O N P O S T ✨️

This time last week, we were in between screening our short film for week and having a very needed discussion with our panellists about what better aftercare for Black women looks like.

The whole day and weekend was filled with deep conversations, tears, laughter, and meaningful deliberation on solutions.

We couldn't have wanted the day to go any better!! Our hearts are full.

We want to say a huge thank you to all the mothers and dads who supported in sharing their experiences, giving insight and being there on the day, your efforts to ensure change happens for other families in the future is heart-warming. We appreciate each and every one of you ❤️

Our representative .sands.acc for bringing your expertise, input and resources in supporting African and Caribbean communities ✨️

Our midwives from our local MFT trust. For coming into the community and being apart of this needed conversation and development ✨️

Our Chaplaincy team inc. Bishop Brown for being a part of the discussion on spiritual and religious needs ✨️

Our videographer for honouring each story and creating something special ✨️

Our amazing therapist ✨️

Our amazing sound bath facilitator ✨️

The Hyatt Hotel for supporting us with the beautiful space and everyone else supporting this project. We see you, we appreciate you ✨️

The work continues.... 🤎🙏🏾

Thank you Sands and Jordan for supporting our day 🤎✨️

We’re so grateful to Holding Her Space for inviting Jordan, our Outreach Coordinator for African and Caribbean communities, to be part of the panel at their Beyond Baby Loss: Transforming Bereavement Care for Black Mothers event on Saturday in Manchester.

The purpose of the event was to bring together families, healthcare professionals, community and faith leaders, and policymakers to help create a safe space for discussion around pregnancy and baby loss, to listen to the voices of bereaved parents, highlight gaps in culturally competent bereavement care, share learning and offer support 💜🧡

Jordan said, “I was honoured to attend the Beyond Baby Loss event organised by Holding Her Space on Saturday. A short film was screened where we heard from families who shared their experiences of pregnancy and baby loss and spoke about the bereavement care they received. Their stories were incredibly moving, and I felt so privileged to be able to hear them. I was asked to be part of the panel that spoke about the importance of culturally appropriate aftercare. Here I was able to speak about Sands, the National Bereavement Care Pathway, why my role is so important and then explain more about the specific support we provide for African and Caribbean families. It was a truly incredibly event and I’d like to thank Naomi and Lorene for having me and allowing me to be part of an inspiring day.”

B B L A W: W A L K A N D T A L K - M A N C H E S T E R ✨️

The rain held up for us in Manchester for our National Walk.
What a beautiful day to come together for conversations, in unity, and to connect with others all whilst getting our steps in 🙏🏾

Thank you to everyone who came and supported the cause and the lasting connections made.

We'll continue to grow and

Thank you for continuing to expand these initiatives. We appreciate you 🤎

This weekend is full, meaningful, and deeply important as we honour Black Baby Loss Awareness 🖤

On Saturday, we’ll be screening our short film followed by a powerful panel discussion on the importance of culturally appropriate aftercare — what it truly looks and feels like for Black mothers, parents, and families navigating loss.

On Sunday, we’ll be leading the Manchester National Walk & Talk, coming together in community, remembrance, and support.

If you haven’t registered for Saturday yet, now’s the time — there are only a few tickets remaining.

And don’t forget to register for the walk — link in bio.

We’re looking forward to holding space for our families, honouring our babies, and sharing these moments with you all ✨️

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B E Y O N D L O S S - Transforming Bereavement Care ✨️

Join us this Black Baby Loss Awareness Week for a powerful and reflective event centred on improving bereavement care for Black African and Caribbean women and families.

Holding Her Space, in partnership with Saint Mary’s Hospital, is bringing together lived experience, clinical voices, and community to explore how care can better support families after pregnancy and infant loss.

✨ What to expect:
🎥 Short film screening
🗣️ Panel discussion
💬 Open conversation on aftercare & cultural safety and our SOP development.
🍽️ Lunch & space to connect

This event is about more than awareness — it’s about listening, acknowledging, and creating real change in how bereavement care is delivered for African and Caribbean parents.
Disclaimer: Sensitive topics
Support is available on the day.

📍 Hyatt Regency Manchester Hotel, 55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ
Burgess Room Theatre
📅 Saturday 16th May, 2026
⏰ 11am - 3pm
🔗 Register via the link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-baby-loss-transforming-bereavement-care-for-black-mothers-tickets-1988334514056

We look forward to seeing you there 🤎

This time last week we were invited to share about the work we have being doing in our community at Radisson hotel for International Women's Day with our Local Cultural Safety Midwife.

created a beautiful space to explore health and well-being, mindset, women in buisness and much more.
So much gems taken from the day.
We spoke about our current project and some of the great stuff we have coming up.

Thank you for inviting us down. ✨️🙏🏾
Look out for updates on what we have coming up.

At our last workshop, we discussed what good aftercare looks like and how clinicians could implement the practices more within bereavement.

We spoke about how women who may experience loss under 22 weeks aren't seen and supported as they should be and how spiritual practices need more space within aftercare. Supoort, healing, and care isnt always linear. It looks different for everyone.

Sometimes, it looks like movement, expression, journalling, and nonverbal support.

For some, it looks like speaking it out and seeking answers.

For others, it may be knowing someone, whether that is a single person or an entire community/village, is holding them in whatever space they may be in.

Our aim for this project it to simply help provide guidance for bereavement teams to incorporate the may different ways our community can be supported so Black women can access supoort that is tailored to their needs.

We have our next workshop coming up. Join us in developing these guidelines. This session will be a practical one, so dress comfortable.

THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY
6 - 8 30PM
THEATRE, MANCHESTER

For more information and to register click the link in the bio.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/culturally-appropriate-aftercare-for-black-mothers-tickets-1981332201952

We look forward to seeing you there ✨️

bereavement

W H A T G O O D A F T E R C A R E L O O K S L I K E✨️

Back in October, we hosted our first intimate bereavement care workshop. We shared experiences, explored whether aftercare truly supported the needs of our communities, unpacked why support isn’t being accessed, and mapped out where we are — and where we want to go.

We know how much strength it takes to share such vulnerable stories and remain committed to creating change. Thank you to everyone who joined us last time. We see you, we appreciate you ✨️

On December 18th, we’re continuing these powerful conversations.
Your voice matters. Your experience matters.
Together, we’re shaping culturally sensitive bereavement care that truly reflects our community.

What to expect:
💛 Delicious refreshments provided
💛 Creative workshop
💛 Open to Black African & Caribbean women and families with lived experience

🔗 Register via our link in bio. We look forward to seeing you there ✨️🙏🏾

Have Your Voice Heard!

📍Thursday 25th September, 6 - 8pm
The Whitworth, Oxford Road, M15 6ER📍

We’re inviting Black African and Caribbean mothers and families in Manchester to take part in workshops that will help transform bereavement care.

Too often, bereavement services don’t reflect the cultural or spiritual needs of women and families from African and Caribbean communities.

Unfortunately, this results in many women from our community not seeking supportive aftercare to help endure the healing process of a miscarriage, loss, or stillbirth.

Our aim is to support the local hospital in creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that provides appropriate and culturally sensitive after care.

This project is about making the necessary changes — together.

By sharing your experiences and having your say on what good aftercare looks like for you, you’ll be helping to create sustainable, culturally sensitive bereavement resources and procedures that truly support our communities.

✨ What you can expect:

A safe and supportive space to share your voice

Creative workshops and open conversations

Refreshments provided

All participants will be reimbursed for their time

Your contribution will help ensure that future bereavement care is inclusive, compassionate, and rooted in the lived experiences of Black families.

Join us in shaping change that lasts.

📩 Register now or DM us for more details.

We look forward to building with you!

A U T U M N W O R K S H O P S 🍁

We have a couple of workshops coming up for our seasonal offerings that we'd like to invite you too.

Cultural Sensitive Bereavement Care Workshop
Whitworth Art Gallery
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Thursday 25thSeptember 6- 8pm

🗣️Have Your Voice Heard! 🗣️

We’re inviting Black African and Caribbean mothers and families in Manchester to take part in a workshop that will help transform bereavement care.

✨ What you can expect:

A safe and supportive space to share your voice

Creative workshops and open conversation on what good aftercare looks like.

Refreshments provided

All participants will be reimbursed for their time

Your contribution will help ensure that future bereavement care is inclusive, compassionate, and rooted in the lived experiences of Black families.

Join us in shaping change that lasts.

📩 Register now. Link in the bio or DM us for more details.

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Also we have our:

Autumn Doula Drop-In

Thursday 25th September 12 - 2pm
Old Moat Sure Start Centre
Old Moat Ln, Withington, Manchester M20 1DE

Come along and speak with one of our doulas!!! Dm us if you would like to come along.

We look forward to connecting with you ✨️🍁

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