Supporting Arms

Our bereavement support service is run by bereaved parents and gives you the opportunity to talk to someone who has an understanding of what you’re going through.

We hope to bridge the gap between you receiving an Aching Arms comfort bear and finding specialist support and we’re here for you whether you lost your baby recently or some years ago. We don’t want you to have to go through your loss alone, whether you want to share memories of your baby with us or talk about how you’re feeling. You can also ask for suggestions regarding funeral arrangements, significant date anniversaries, returning to work or anything else. We are here to help so don’t hesitate to contact us by phoning or texting 07464 508994 or by emailing support@achingarms.co.uk.

Our helpline operates as a flexible call back service open to anyone in the UK.  When you call, you’ll be taken to a voicemail for you to leave your name and phone number and we’ll then contact you within 48 hours, to arrange a convenient time to talk. Alternatively you can text us on the above number, or email support@achingarms.co.uk to arrange support. 

Please note:

• This is not an emergency service, if you need to speak to someone urgently please contact one of these organisations:
• Phone Samaritians on 116 123 or alternatively Text 'Shout' to 85258. 

Click here to download our Aching Arms general leaflet (PDF) or here for the leaflet in Welsh (PDF).

Click here to download our Aching Arms parent leaflet (PDF)or here for the leaflet in Welsh (PDF).

Meet our team here:

Support for Dads

Dads who have lost their baby need the opportunity to talk with other Dads who have gone through a similar experience. Aching Arms offers a dedicated helpline number and a monthly online group just for Dads, offering the chance to gain support and comfort from speaking to others. The group is facilitated by Tom Donaldson, a bereaved Dad and member of our Supporting Arms Team. All Dads are welcome and please note, you are free to share as much or as little as you would like.

You can find out the full details of our Support for Dads here. 

Find out more in our leaflet here: Supporting Arms for Dad Information 2025.pdf

Support for Mums

Aching Arms offers a helpline and a dedicated monthly online group for Mums, it is there to offer the chance to gain support and comfort from speaking to others. The group is facilitated by Erica Stewart, a bereaved Mum and member of our Supporting Arms Team. All Mums are welcome, birthing and non-birthing, and please note, you are free to share as much or as little as you would like, and what you are comfortable with. 

Our meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 11am (unless otherwise specified) and to get the Microsoft Teams link for each meeting please contact support@achingarms.co.uk.

Support for Health Professionals and those that are working in the baby loss sector. 

Our Support Service is also open to Health Professionals and anyone who is working with bereaved families who may have been affected by the loss of a baby, we are here for you. 

Virtual Care

If you would prefer to speak to us by video online, instead of by phone or text, you can book a video call via Teams, with our Bereavement Care Staff. Please email bereavementsupport@achingarms.co.uk to arrange a call. 

Be Together

The Aching Arms Be Together events are an opportunity for bereaved parents, siblings and the wider family, to come together with other families who have also lost a baby. If you'd like to find out more about our Be Together events, please click here.  

There is no support like the support from another bereaved parent.