Vet MINDS stands for Miscarriage, Infertility, Neonatal Death and Stillbirth, and exists as a closed facebook group.  As well as providing support, the group serves to create a voice and a platform to start breaking down the silence around babyloss, and work together towards positive change.As a private group, we have already formed a close and supportive community. But as part of our goals, we want to raise awareness and start the conversation in the wider veterinary community. This is where the idea for the Vet MINDS pin badge was formed.

To show our support for Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th-15th October) we have created a Vet MINDS pin badge. We hope that by wearing one, it will stand as a symbol that we are comfortable to start the conversation about the tough stuff and show our support to our colleagues, during a week that may bring up difficult emotions. You do not have to have been directly affected by baby loss to wear one, your support means the world to those of us who have.

In recognition of the strength required to simply wear one, the cost of the badges has been covered by a veterinary organisation. They have asked to remain anonymous so as not to detract from the message, but wanted to show their support. As the demand has been so high, we may have to ask for donations to the cost in the future.

If you would like a badge, simply fill in this form with your name and address, and we will send one to you. It is yours to wear in whatever way is right for you – whether that is privately, publicly or you feel able to share it on social media.

We simply need a name and an address to post the badge out to. This data will only be stored until the badges are safely received, and then it will be deleted. It will not be stored or used for any other purpose, and will remain entirely confidential.

Please note, this is a personal project and envelopes are being filled, licked and stamped in my sitting room after work! So there may be a small wait to receive it, but I will do my best to get it to you as soon as possible. We also only have a limited supply left, as the demand has been so high.