“Hello, I’m Hope, Support Coordinator for MISS. I help with setting up support for our members. We have a 1.1 listening service, which can be done either by phone or video call, so our service users can speak about their experiences and feelings they may be having. We have both female and male support team members available to speak to. It’s a judgement free space for you to discuss anything on your mind. We also run the monthly virtual support groups for women and partners, where we discuss a range of topics, such as self-care, how to cope with grief, how to support each other, and we often have guest speakers from a range of specialties come to speak. People joining sometimes prefer to keep their cameras off to maintain their anonymity. We are just happy to have you join in whichever way you feel comfortable.

 

I’m also a student counsellor at the University of Aberdeen. I’ve successfully completed my counselling skills course and my first year of my post-graduate degree in Person-Centred Counselling.

 

After the births of my children, I was left with PTSD, PND and PNA, I had very little emotional support at home and I waited entirely too long to reach out for help. I was ashamed of how I felt, I was scared that if I reached out for help that I would be seen as an unfit mother and my children would be taken away. It was a Person-Centred therapist and a local mother’s support group that helped me out of my darkest times. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my support network.

 

When I finally felt better, I knew what my calling was. I wanted to help those suffering from loss, trauma and poor mental health, just as I had been helped. No one should suffer in silence, no one should be ashamed of their feelings. I know what rock bottom feels like and if I can help just one person not feel so alone, it will be well worth it.

 

I love working for MISS, it is such a fulfilling role, being able to be there for others, listening and giving them a safe space to speak about such heavy things. It is an honour to be a part of their healing journey. Breaking the taboo around miscarriage and mental health is everything I stand for and I am glad to work alongside MISS as we work towards that goal together”.