The issues that we support are far more common than it may seem, often people are unaware they exist until personally affected. Of an estimated 19,462 Sussex pregnancies in 2016; 2385 ended in abortion, 2785 in miscarriage and 67 in perinatal death, these, plus the 86,315 struggling with fertility issues are our potential client group. 

Regardless of the experience that leads them to us, all of our clients are experiencing a level of grief. For some, we can offer practical therapies and information, for some this is not possible, but support is still absolutely necessary and we provide counselling.

The IVF "postcode lottery", means Sussex NHS provision is below NICE guidelines and denied where a partner already has children. At an average of £10,000 a round and 25% success, IVF is out of reach to many who are not entitled to NHS funding. However, it is not always necessary and we have found often fertility knowledge can be significantly improved with time and relevant support, sometimes even meaning clients can go on to have a natural healthy pregnancy and baby, like this client: “Following your intro to fertility course and following some changes we have just had a baby boy after 2mcs”

The most common feeling our client's report to us is isolation, either literally or perceived as they feel different from their friends and family.  We have a weekly, national lottery funded, informal community group, which offers the opportunity to share time and space with others who have had the same or similar experience, where everyone can accept and understand your experience and thoughts and feelings associated with that, whether or not you speak about it.

In our first year, we supported 40 clients. Each and every one of them reported an increase in emotional wellbeing through accessing our services.  We have big plans for 2019 to raise awareness, increase clinic hours, extend services, build our team of volunteers and offer drop in support.