Miscarriage support available

I REFER to your article “Miscarriage support set for online switch” (News, 15 March).

Contrary to the impression given in your article, I would like to point out that there is more than one counselling service available to women in Scotland who have experienced a miscarriage. Lifeline Pregnancy Counselling & Care is based in Edinburgh and provides a free counselling service for women who are coping with the distress of miscarriage. This service is available to anyone in Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and beyond. Alongside SCIM our service covers much of the Central belt.

I would also challenge the misconception that advice is the same as counselling. Counsellors do not give advice. Counselling offers the client a confidential relationship with another human being who does not judge them. The counsellor is skilled in helping the client to talk about and understand their feelings, to get a clearer view of their situation, to think about their needs and hopes and, to find resources and strengths for the future.

Given that the statutory health service cannot provide face-to-face counselling, I would encourage NHS practitioners to recognise and use those professional and qualified support services that are offered by the voluntary sector.

Trish Barry, Centre Manager, Lifeline, Edinburgh