Aching Arms is a UK charity dedicated to supporting parents and families after the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or soon after.
We provide comfort bears to hospitals, hospices, and other organisations, so that midwives and nurses can offer them to bereaved parents in their care. Families can also request a bear directly from us, ensuring that anyone affected by baby loss can receive a symbol of comfort and remembrance.
Our services include:
- Comfort Bears: Donated to over 190 hospitals, hospices, support groups, and funeral directors across the UK, as well as sent directly to families who request one.
- Supporting Arms: A direct support service for parents, run by bereaved parents, offering telephone and email support. This service provides a safe space to talk to someone who understands and helps families feel less alone.
- Awareness and Advocacy: We work with other organisations to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, and advocate for improved bereavement care in health settings and workplaces.
- Training: Aching Arms offers training for health professionals, employers, and people managers to improve bereavement care and understanding.
Last year, we donated over 5,000 bears to bereaved families, and demand for our services continues to grow. We are proud members of several national and international alliances, working collaboratively to improve care and support for those affected by baby loss.
If you would like to support our work, get involved as a fundraiser, corporate partner, volunteer, or help raise awareness, please get in touch.
For more information, you can download our general leaflet, strategy document, and impact report from our website.
“It’s not just a bear, it’s like someone walking up to you and holding your hand through your darkest days.”
Experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or soon after, whether it be recent or longer ago.