National award recognition for Lancashire Mind's baby loss support service

Together After Loss celebrates national recognition for baby loss support in Lancashire.

Lancashire Mind’s Together After Loss team celebrate after being recognised at the 2026 Mariposa Awards.

Launched in 2018 by the international charity Mariposa, alongside ambassador Kym Marsh, the national awards programme recognises those making a meaningful difference in the lives of people who have experienced baby loss or miscarriage. Categories celebrate the work of doctors, nurses, midwives, hospital staff, community workers, fundraisers and volunteers who go above and beyond to support bereaved families.

National recognition for local support

This year, Lancashire Mind’s Together After Loss service was shortlisted for the Community Award, recognising the impact the service has within communities across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

In addition, Grace Banham, Senior Peer Support Coordinator for Together After Loss, received recognition in the Archie Bereavement Professional Award 2026 category, acknowledging her commitment to supporting families through some of the most difficult experiences imaginable.

Together After Loss provides specialist support for anyone affected by baby loss, miscarriage or the loss of a child. The service offers a safe and compassionate space where people can access support, connect with others who understand their experiences and begin to navigate their grief.

Working together to support families

The recognition also reflects the strong partnerships that help ensure families receive the support they need.

Together After Loss works closely with teams across healthcare services, including colleagues at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, the Women and Newborn Centre, Bereavement Midwife Nikki Galloway and Obstetrician Dr Helen Collier. Several of these professionals were also recognised at this year’s awards for their contributions to bereavement care.

These collaborative relationships help ensure that families can access support throughout their journey, from clinical care through to longer-term emotional and wellbeing support.

What the recognition means

Reflecting on the recognition, Grace said:

“This recognition for us at Together After Loss is incredible and a massive achievement. We are so proud to have been shortlisted and recognised for the work we do with families across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

For me personally, it also recognises the work I have done over the last eight years since my little girl passed away. Through fundraising, volunteering, helping to co-create the Reproductive Trauma Service and now supporting families through Together After Loss, my passion has always been helping others who are experiencing loss.

Jayne and I would like to thank every family and individual who has trusted us during one of the most difficult times in their lives. It is a privilege to build those relationships, acknowledge their babies and support them through grief and loss.

We are advocates and a support system for those experiencing loss. This recognition is not only for me, but for everyone who has helped build and shape this service for Lancashire.”

Looking ahead

The future of Together After Loss continues to grow, following the award of a three-year funding extension from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The service currently offers:

• • One-to-one peer support
  • Therapeutic counselling
  • Wellbeing walks
  • Group support opportunities
  • Workshops and wellbeing sessions

New workshop sessions are launching – creating even more opportunities for people to access support in ways that work for them.

Together After Loss

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