The Silent Footprints Foundation was founded in 2019 by Gail Dobson-Burns who experienced profound personal losses in 2014 and 2015. After losing twins at 14 weeks during a second scan and undergoing life-saving emergency surgery for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy the following year, the founder realised that physical healing often outpaces mental recovery.
Despite having a supportive network, the founder felt isolated when the topic of loss became too difficult for others to discuss over time. This sense of isolation and the need for ongoing support led to the creation of the Silent Footprints Foundation.
Initially starting as a community support group, the foundation has grown into a small charity registered with the Charity Commission. It provides a safe space for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss at any stage, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, medical termination, and infant loss.
The foundation offers various forms of support, such as memory boxes, mental health resources, coping strategies, befriending services, and a memory tree where messages for lost loved ones can be left. Additionally, a small library of self-help books and a range of angel memorabilia and jewellery are available for sale, with proceeds funding monthly peer support groups.
For those who may find group settings challenging, the foundation also offers one-on-one support. Jenn, who joined the founder in running the groups, lost her son Leo at full term in 2013. Her experience highlighted that the grief from any stage of pregnancy loss is valid and significant, reinforcing the foundation’s inclusive approach.
Two individuals who have been supported by the foundation now volunteer, helping to set up groups, offer refreshments, and share their stories as peer supporters.
The foundation’s monthly support groups are held in West and North Cumbria:
- Whitehaven: Senhouse Centre, Senhouse Street, CA28 7ES
- Last Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays), 6pm-8pm
- Carlisle: Carlisle Eden Mind Venue, 1 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EJ
- Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 PM
For more information, visit the foundation’s social media pages or website: www.silentfootprintsfoundation.org