A special memorial board is set to be installed at a park for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

Swale council is working with East Kent Baby Memorial Garden to create the tribute in King George V Playing Fields, Sittingbourne.

It will display personalised terracotta tiles, which can include a name and significant date, set in a beautiful garden.

The charity hosts events, spreads awareness and offers support to families.

They have nearly 500 baby names recorded across their locations in Ashford, Faversham and Canterbury.

The announcement comes during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which aims to give families a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and know they are not alone.

Sheerness Clock Tower in the high street will also be lit up pink and blue every night.

Next Tuesday (October 15), people are invited to light a candle at 7pm as a special mark of support and remembrance.

Cllr Sarah Stephen, who represents Woodstock ward, said: “I was a midwife for 30 years, the last 10 of which I specialised in early pregnancy loss running one of the UK’s first Early Pregnancy Units, so this project is very close to my heart.

“I have seen the devastation and heartache that losing a baby causes, and how important it is for families to have somewhere to go where they can remember their little ones, and know they are not alone in their grief.

“Some people may have memorials at a cemetery or crematorium, but these are usually extremely expensive and often unaffordable for many bereaved families, so having this public space dedicated to their special babies can hopefully bring some solace to them.

“The fee helps the charity continue operating and enables the creation of more memorials like this one, but of course, if you are struggling financially there are ways they can help you remember your special baby with a name tile.”

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community and leisure committee added: “We are proud to be working with this charity as our new memorial is a small, but meaningful way for us to show support to people going through pregnancy and baby loss.

“I would like to encourage everyone to be kind and thoughtful this week, and beyond, as this topic can be very upsetting.

“If you are dealing with baby loss please reach out to friends, family and support, like this charity, you aren’t alone and there is help out there.”

The tiles for the new memorial board can be ordered for £40.

However, there are payment plans available depending on people’s circumstances.

The money raised will allow the charity to continue their work and they hope to be able to have the first plaques in before Christmas.

To find out more, please click here.

Chris Twydell, volunteer treasurer for East Kent Baby Memorial Garden, said: “It is wonderful that we are able to announce these meaningful plans during Baby Loss Awareness Week and we are grateful to Swale council for helping to make it happen.

“Our charity aims to create a safe environment where people can talk to us about their own baby loss, over the years we have chatted to hundreds of bereaved parents, many of whom have rarely – or never – talked about their special babies.

“Through speaking with us these families realise they were not as alone as they thought, and that there is support available.”