A BRIDGWATER-based charity which supports families affected by the death of a baby has landed a £5,000 boost in funding.

Towards Tomorrow Together provide services including supplying memory boxes to Musgrove Park Hospital and hosting monthly support groups in Chard, Taunton and Bridgwater.

The funds awarded to Towards Tomorrow Together from the Aviva Community Fund will be used to provide bereavement training to local holistic therapists before fully funding a course of up to six sessions of selected therapies, including aromatherapy, reiki, reflexology and hypnotherapy.

The death of a baby can have a devastating effect on parents, impacting their relationships, friendships, employment and mental wellbeing.

Founding trustee Mel Scott said "Waits to access talking therapies can be lengthy. Holistic therapies can offer a supportive, safe space and promote emotional and physical wellbeing after loss."

To gain the funds the charity had to submit an application and gain support from the community, with Toward Tomorrow Together gaining 5,000 votes and many grieving parents speaking out in support of the project, sharing their own stories of loss.

Mrs Scott said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding. The support during the voting period was fantastic.

"We are very grateful to the online and local community, and of course Aviva for this opportunity.

"Seven years ago when my son Finley died, it was very difficult to find support services. I know that many parents face long waits for counselling. Some parents find it very difficult to talk about their loss – for them an alternative option will bring relief.”

For more information about services following the death of a baby, visit www.towards-tomorrow.com or contact mel@towards-tomorrow.com.