Helping families after a tragedy

Joel-The Complete Package a charity offering support for parents who have suffered stillbirth or death and have had another child or are trying for another child, a rainbow baby was launched at the North Worksop Children Centre (Gateford) on Tuesday. Charity founders Emma Pearson (centre left) and Lisa Bramley (centre right) are seen with volunteers Matthew Pearson and Claire Gresham

Emma Pearson and her friend Lisa Bramley have created Joel - The Complete Package to help families who are either trying to conceive, are pregnant or have given birth after experiencing a stillbirth or neonatal death.

The pair, who work together at West Notts College, have set up a support group which meets on the last Tuesday of each month at the Sure Start centre on Raymoth Lane, between 7-9pm.

And tomorrow (Saturday) they are holding a family fun day and shopping event at the Post 16 Centre in Worksop between 11am and 2pm.

Emma said: “The issue is very close to my heart after my precious twins were born sleeping at 26 weeks and have now been blessed with my very own rainbow baby - the term used for a baby born after a loss.”

“Since we set up the charity we have been raising awareness about ‘rainbow’ pregnancies and breaking the taboo related to baby loss.”

The women have also set up a playgroup, which starts on 15th May, again at the Sure Start centre, from 9.30-11.30am.

A host of different activities and stalls will be at the fun day, which will raise money for the support group and playgroup. It will also enable families to come and get to know Emma and Lisa and find out more about the support the charity can offer them.