PURPOSE:
There is growing investment in perinatal mental health however, significant gaps remain in specialist psychological care for families experiencing baby loss. In Wales, access to timely and trauma-informed support is limited. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board launched the Onnen Service in October 2024 - its first dedicated psychological support pathway for bereaved parents and maternity staff.

DISCUSSION:
The service was co-produced through a six-month Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement cycle involving bereaved families, maternity staff, and stakeholders. The model prioritised inclusivity, flexibility, and trauma-informed care. A 30-member advisory group comprising parents and health care staff co-created core aspects of the service, including its name, logo, and guidance and values. Collaboration with national services and maternity teams established robust referral pathways and intervention options.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
In the first seven months, 40 individuals (including 7 couples) were referred, with a third receiving ongoing psychological interventions. A ten-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group for pregnancy after loss demonstrated measurable improvements in anxiety, depression, grief, and psychological flexibility. Feedback from families emphasised the importance of compassionate, specialist care. In parallel, maternity staff received training, clinical supervision, and debriefing support, recognising the emotional impact of caring for families suffering the loss of a baby.

KEY MESSAGE:
The Onnen Service offers a replicable and scalable model of bereavement care, integrating family and staff support to promote sustainable, trauma-informed practice. Key learning points include the power of co-production, the need to balance accessibility with capacity, and the critical role of providing psychological support for midwives. As Wales’ first maternity psychology service for baby loss, Onnen contributes to national strategy through ongoing research, policy engagement, and service development demonstrating that compassionate care must extend to both families and the professionals who support them. Poster session 4 (Group B)