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A Glasgow charity that supports families affected by baby loss is under threat of closure. Baby Loss Retreat, based on Wellington Street in the city centre, is facing a “severe” lack of funding, according to organisers. The Glasgow-based charity provides specialised bereavement counselling and retreats in Fife as well as Castle Douglas, and has become a lifeline for grieving families. The charity was set up in 2018 by Coatbridge couple Julie and Bryan Morrison in memory of their daughter Erin, who was stillborn in 2003 at 37 weeks. The couple waited 13 years to be reunited with Erin’s remains after being caught up in the ashes scandal. The organisation says the closure of partner charities and overwhelming demand due to NHS waiting times has put further pressure on the charity. The charity fears it may be forced to turn grieving families away. Mrs Morrison, said: “We’re not just offering counselling, we’re offering hope, healing and a safe space to grieve. “We appreciate funding is tight for everyone but for a service that works in saving peoples’ lives, as our feedback tells us, this is crucial. “Without urgent financial support, we may be forced to turn people away.” It costs around £1,000 per couple for counselling sessions and a two-day retreat. The service receives some lottery funding but relies on donations and sponsorship. Mrs Morrison added: “We’re seeing more families than ever reaching out for help, but fewer resources to support them. “The NHS waiting lists for mental health support are months long, sometimes over a year. “When you’re grieving, that delay can be devastating.” 13 years after losing Erin, Mrs Morrison received a call in 2016 to inform her that her daughter’s ashes had been found at the Jonathan Harvey funeral director branch on Argyle Street in Glasgow alongside 11 others. The mum, who lost her 38-week-old daughter in 2003 because of a blood clot in her placenta, had been initially told that the tot was too small for her to get ashes. After going through such a harrowing experience, the couple resolved to create a space where bereaved parents could find comfort, understanding, and healing. The retreat & Counselling is a free service for bereaved parents across Scotland. It provides a peaceful and supportive environment for couples to reflect, reconnect, and process their grief at their own pace. The organisation is calling on local authorities, grant-makers, and the public to help keep the service running. More information and contact information can be found at www.babylossretreat.org.uk Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
