Supporting community together: Miscarriage Information Support Service
Did you know that approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies result in miscarriage?
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) has collaborated with Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) for many years, co-hosting events and creating an inclusive space to acknowledge miscarriage and early-pregnancy loss.
Established in 2012, MISS is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing information and support to those impacted by miscarriage/early pregnancy loss. MISS has developed free resources, including package bags and wellness programs, and they also work closely with many health and community organisations.
Supporting community
In 2023 SMCT’s Community Care and Wellbeing program hosted a session supporting National Miscarriage Awareness Day where SMCT community members knitted yellow infinity brooches and attached pins to yellow ribbons.
The first Sunday in May is known as National Miscarriage Awareness Day, and SMCT has supported MISS with co-hosting an event at Bunurong Memorial Park for the past two years. This event allows families and community to come together, providing support and a space for bereaved parents to honour their lost babies. The next event for National Miscarriage Awareness Day will be held on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Collaborative events
MISS has worked alongside SMCT at other industry events throughout their partnerships. In June 2024, MISS Founder and President spoke on the work MISS does at SMCT’s event with Open House Melbourne, Design + Death: Time Immemorial.
Creating a dedicated space
SMCT and MISS, alongside other industry partners, have been working on creating a memorial garden at Bunurong Memorial Park solely dedicated to miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.
Despite an estimated 25% pregnancies ending in miscarriage, there is still stigma around early pregnancy loss. This results in families and individuals feeling unsupported and isolated, something MISS and SMCT is trying to solve. This miscarriage garden allows for a unique space to support our community affected by miscarriage.
As well as providing a space for those impacted, the remembrance garden will assist in providing an opportunity for education to the extended community about the importance of understanding losses such as early pregnancy loss and miscarriage.
Future work
SMCT is appreciative of their partnership with MISS and look forward to future work together. To find out more about MISS, please visit their webpage.