In October Harbour reopned its doors and online presence to clients, post a COVID lead hiatus.

Based in Hollingdean, near Fiveways, Harbour are a team of five specialised counsellors, psychotherapists and a birth trauma practitioner who provide a vital counselling service that helps people break the hidden silence of pregnancy loss. In some of the most difficult moments of our lives, Harbour provides a safe space for people to seek and find support.

Harbour are currently the only counselling service in Sussex who specialise in this particular grief work.

The Harbour team are aware that in the face of COVID-19 there is now more than ever a need for considered counselling around issues of grief related to pregnancy. An increased sense of loss and trauma due to isolation, coupled with a decrease in available counselling services during lockdown has left many people in true need of this specialised service. Following a review of how the service operates in light of the pandemic, Harbour reopened their doors for both face-to-face and online counselling support in a safe and prepared manner on the 12th October.

The project is led by psychotherapist and trainer Jojo Gosney and birth trauma practitioner Tracy Law. We have two large counselling rooms in a warm and friendly setting where women, men and couples can find help. Additionally, our team are ready to facilitate online calls where necessary, and can assist people in setting this up. We accept referrals from local hospitals, G.Ps, wider-health and mental health services, as well as self-referred individuals. Given the recent difficulties we are all facing across the country, we are pleased our service is reopening and remain committed to drawing alongside those having to deal with the tragic loss of a child.

'I came for counselling after losing my son at 40 weeks gestation in 2018. Being able to talk to my amazing therapist openly about everything that had happened and how I was feeling made such a difference to how I navigated the most difficult time of my life. I truly dont think I would have survived without it.' Harbour Client, Katie

As Harbour is not funded by the NHS we do need to raise funds to support and provide this service, and unfortunately this means there are also associated costs for our clients. That said, we work hard to reduce this wherever we can, and do have some more accessible appointments for those who find the standard cost a barrier to finding the support they need. This is a vital service that is helping people in the worse moments of their life. We need funding to keep this service open and accessible to all and your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your support!

www.harbourcounselling.org.uk