Miscarriage Information Support Service
2008. Abi Clarke
Abi Clarke, from Aberdeen founded ‘Miscarriage Information Support Service’ in 2015, providing a support service for women and partners who have suffered a miscarriage.
Following Abi’s own miscarriage in 2015, she was inspired to set up a support service for others going through baby loss, particularly on learning that 1 in 4 women are likely to suffer a miscarriage in their lifetime. Abi has since built up a peer support network of almost 10,000 members, mostly based in Scotland but also internationally. The charity runs a phone-line with trained volunteers, a programme to help parents approaching pregnancy again after a loss, and has a dedicated support group to help fathers through bereavement.
The ‘Miscarriage Information Support Service’ wants to let women and men know that they are not alone in their grief, giving a space to help couples navigate through the complex emotions this experience can bring.
In a personal letter to Abi, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I want to thank you for the extraordinary courage you have shown in helping others who, like yourself, experience the heart-breaking loss of a miscarriage.
“Your ‘Miscarriage Information Support Service’ has been there for thousands of people across Scotland and far beyond, helping families through an incredibly difficult time and supporting those who want to consider pregnancy again.”
Abi said:
“I feel honoured to receive this award for MISS. We have just celebrated our 6th anniversary and we have supported almost 10,000 members who have gone through miscarriage and next pregnancy. For when we first started this organisation, our aim was to start a cuppa and chat and I am very proud of our team that has helped us grow to where we are now.”
See more about ‘Miscarriage Information Support Service’.