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A vital service supporting Scots families affected by baby loss is under threat due to a lack of funding. Baby Loss Retreat was founded in February 2018 by Julie and Bryan Morrison in memory of their daughter Erin, who was stillborn in 2003 at 37 weeks. The service offers specialised bereavement counselling and retreats in Fife and Castle Douglas - and has become a lifeline for hundreds of grieving families. However, Julie says that the closure of partner charities, coupled with an overwhelming demand due to NHS waiting times, has put further pressure on the charity - meaning people may be turned away. The organisation , which is based in the centre of Glasgow, is now calling on local authorities, grant-makers, and the public to help keep the service running. Julie 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.” After experiencing the heartbreak of losing their baby - as well as being part of the Ashes scandal in Scotland - the couple felt compelled to support others going through a similar pain. Their charity offers bereft couples a break at two tranquil retreats - a loch side property in Castle Douglas and a cottage with a hot tub in the sleepy village of Coaltown of Balgonie in Fife. Their vision was to create a space where bereaved parents could find comfort, understanding, and healing. It costs around £1,000 per couple for counselling sessions and a two-day retreat - and while the service receives some lottery funding, it relies heavily on donations and sponsorships. Julie 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.” 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. Baby Loss Retreat are appealing for donations, sponsorships, or volunteer support. More information can be found at www.babylossretreat.org.uk .
