Buildings in Carlisle will be lit up this week as an NHS trust marks Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The Civic Centre and former Citadel buildings will be illuminated in pink and blue.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is using the week to highlight the vital work that its specialist bereavement teams provide.

Bereavement midwife Emma Jackson, who has been with the trust since 2018, is dedicated to supporting families through their most challenging times.

Emma Jackson has been part of the trust since 2018 (Image: Emma Jackson) She said: "Moving into the bereavement role has been a massive change for me but after a long time working clinically I love the challenge of learning so many new things.

"The hardest but most rewarding part of the role is supporting families through what might be the most difficult time of their lives.

"Looking after any family during the birth of their baby is a huge honour but to look after a bereaved family when they have such a short amount of time with their baby is incredibly moving and a massive privilege."

Her role as a bereavement midwife involves developing an emotional connection with families and working on improving bereavement services.

She said: "I love so many different parts of being a midwife but developing an emotional connection with families has always meant a lot to me.

"I also like being in a position to change and improve bereavement services for both families and staff.

"For example, Kerry Pape (bereavement midwife at WCH) and myself are in the process of developing new bereavement training for staff and we're also planning to redecorate our bereavement suite which we hope will benefit the families in our care."

Kerry Pape is working with Emma to develop new bereavement training for staff (Image: Kerry Pape) As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9 to October 15, the trust will host a memorial event.

The annual Baby Loss Memorial Service will take place on October 10 at 6pm at Carlisle Cemetery Chapel on Dalston Road, open to anyone wishing to attend.

From October 9 to 11, an information stand will be set up in the main hospital atrium, providing details about charities that support families after baby loss.

Silent Footprints, a charity supporting families across North and West Cumbria, will be present at Carlisle United on October 8, sharing information about their charity and giving out ribbons which can be added to a display at Brunton Park.