I cannot thank MISS enough for listening to me, proving the support and coping
mechanisms I so desperately needed and for giving me the strength to move forward
How did MISS start? It’s a question I often get asked, which is shortly followed by a wee gasp
and a lump in my throat. It takes me back to a sad and very traumatic year, but then I take a breath and share my experience because I know my story may help other bereaved parents.
In 2015, I experienced a difficult start to the year with the passing of my father-in-law from cancer.
Despite the challenges, my husband and I got married in less than 24 hours so that he could be a part of our special day. When I found out I was pregnant, it brought hope and positivity to our lives.
However, six weeks later, while at work in a meeting, I noticed something was wrong when I saw blood on my seat and dress.
I went to the hospital, where I was joined by my husband.
It was a horrific experience. I cried, felt numb, and blamed myself. There are no words to truly describe
this period in my life. Undergoing medical management to pass the baby is an indescribable feeling. Leaving the hospital with nothing and quickly returning to work left me feeling embarrassed, with no dignity, and still numb.
A few months later, I was grateful to be pregnant again with my now rainbow girl aged 8 as well as a 6-year-old cheeky chap of a boy!
Shortly after having Robyn, I felt so proud and grateful to have her in my arms and healthy. Then I realised that I couldn't let this go. There was no support when you left the hospital after a miscarriage, so I asked my husband in 2017 about the idea of organising a cuppa and chat - a safe and confidential space where women and men could talk about their experiences, feel supported, and know that they are not alone. There would be no judgement or opinion, and people could form relationships. This is where MISS started.
After a years of the support group, I realised we needed to register as a charity as people wanted to get involved as volunteers to support the community, as well as many people seeking support. Over the years since the initial cuppa and chat support group, we have had many volunteers help us grow, we now have 7 staff members and over 25 volunteers, and we are going from strength to strength! We have supported many people through miscarriage and we will continue to offer that support into the future.
By our CEO Abi Clarke
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a confidential space for anyone who has experienced miscarriage, recently or in the past, so they can find support and information, and know that they are not alone. We strive to break down the taboo surrounding miscarriage and raise awareness in our community, throughout Scotland and beyond; to the public, employers and healthcare professionals.
Our Values
Our values are centred around putting our members first and being empathic towards their needs. We are dedicated to providing miscarriage support, offering a community-based approach to ensure that our members receive the care and understanding they deserve. We are committed to creatively maintaining support opportunities, and ensuring that our members have access to the resources and assistance they need during difficult times.