So, there I was trying to book a blogger for a job, when in a moment of glorious serendipity I was redirected to Steph's wonderful website. For those who don't know Steph, she is a bold, brave and frankly fabulous human who set up World Childless Week which supports those that don't have children, not by choice. The support is there all year long and this generosity of spirit inspired me to want to do my bit too.
Read moreWCW rewind to 2017 - Dear Christian Church
I have asked others, and myself, how often are we angry at God, not for what HE has said, but for what others tell us He says. How often do we lay the blame at HIS feet for what imperfect people have done and claimed, the lies they filled our head with? Too often, I think, is the answer and though there were certainly dark moments of pain and doubt and anger, I can say now with absolution that I am in a place where my faith in God is not shaken.
Read moreWCW rewind to 2017 - Moving Forwards
The day arrived when it was time to stop trying for the family my husband and I had always planned. We were sat in the car outside the hospital where we had just seen a re-occurring miscarriage specialist. It happened again and there was no way I could face another loss. Further health implications would follow but that was the moment I resigned myself to a whole new world of grief. It was far from acceptance. It felt more like a door slammed shut in our faces.
Read moreWCW rewind to 2017 - To My Yummy Mummy Friends
I love to be included in all your happy days.
Read moreWCW rewind to 2017 - We Are All Diamonds
It has been heart breaking reading all the stories this week. There is so much pain and anger and I find all of it relatable too. I know it’s a personal journey that unfortunately all of us childless not by choice must go through.
Read moreWhy I am a World Childless Week Champion by Lesley Pyne
How many communities would bring together such a varied range of bloggers, writers, coaches etc? And not only that each of us is doing what we do best, whether it’s writing, recording videos, providing prizes, for no reward other than knowing that we’re helping you.
So dear reader, this is a gift for you like no other. World Childless Week is an opportunity to read, listen to and watch a range of those who are here to support you, and to join in big conversations.
I encourage you to grab this with both hands and find something or someone who inspires you.
Read moreUSE your voice - Sandy Langhart Michelet
World Childless Week’s mission is simple…to raise awareness of the childless not by choice across the world. Wow! That is POWERFUL!
The week is broken into themes to allow for a deeper dive into 7 different topics. It is difficult to wrap our arms around our own grief ….so its even more difficult to try to put it into words for our family and friends. WCW can help us jump start conversations with those who we love (and who love us).
Now....why would anyone want to celebrate a week like this?
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Meriel Whale
“I’m proud to be a part of World Childless Week, launched in 2017 by Stephanie Phillips. The 2nd World Childless Week is happening from 10-16th September 2018 and I was delighted when I was asked to get involved as a World Childless Week Champion, especially as I had just launched a counselling practice focused on supporting people who are childless not by choice…” Read about Meriel Whale and why she’s pleased to be World Childless Week Champion!
Read moreNational Dog Day - why pets matter
National Dog Day is on our minds. The Champions have had all manner of pets in their lives, from beloved cats and dogs to feathered friends. Often adopting a pet can be the start of coming to terms with a different life or they've been strength during times of grief.
Read moreThe Men's Room - a new beginning
Yesterday World Childless Week Champions, Michael Hughes and Robin Hadley, recorded their conversation about what it's like to be a man and never experience fatherhood. And in the words of Robin, it was 'ground breaking'.
Read moreChildless in...
Last year we asked the community write about what it was like to live around the world in our 'Childless in the community' day. Berenice from Walk In Our Shoes is one of our World Childless Week Champions and she wrote about about living in a city and how where she lives has influenced how she feels.
Read moreMen Matter Too: Join Dr Robin Hadley and Michael Hughes for a frank 1-hour conversation about male childlessness.
World Childless Week recognises that men really do matter. We will be sharing posts from those men affected by childlessness not by choice and we are inviting men to join World Childless Week Champions, Dr Robin Hadly and Michael Hughes from Married and Childless as they record a frank 1 hour conversation about male childlessness on 25th August.
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Michael Hughes
Michael Hughes from Married and Childless explains why he’s our World Childless Week Champion in Australia.
Read moreMen Matter Too
World Childless Week recognises that men really do matter. We will be sharing posts from those men affected by childlessness not by choice and we are inviting men to join World Childless Week Champions, Dr Robin Hadley and Michael Hughes from Married and Childless as they record a frank 1 hour conversation about male childlessness on 25th August
Read moreListen to Steph speaking on The Fertility Podcast
Steph met up with Natalie from The Fertility Podcast at Fertility Fest in May. The episode is now online and you can listen to her share her hopes for World Childless Week
Read moreThe Men's Room
On 25th August, there will be a recording of a 1-hour conversation between World Childless Week champions Michael and Robin who are leading the Men Matter Too Day on 13th September.
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Kenny Smith
I saw how Fertility Fest made an impact on Berenice and realised then, that it's important that World Childless Week must include stories from men who haven't experienced fatherhood and from different demographics.
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Jody Day
“Since I started Gateway Women seven years ago, the topic of childlessness has gradually moved from the margins towards the mainstream, but those of us who are childless not by choice (CNBC) still face prejudice, stigma, ignorance and insensitivity in many areas of our lives: in our families and peer groups, in our communities, at work, in our places of workshop and from civic and medical services.”
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Berenice Smith
‘The excitement of World Childless Week was palpable way back in May! From the conversations over the two days I was in London, I knew that World Childless Week will inspire, educate with honesty and originality. It also matters to me that my site, Walk In Our Shoes, is linked to a brand with integrity.’ Find out why Berenice is proud to be a World Childless Week Champion.
Read moreWhy I'm a World Childless Week Champion by Vicky Page
“I met this hard working dedicated group through the opportunities that social media provides. Facebook Skype, and Zoom connected me to this group of wonderfully talented and dedicated people who are all committed to the vision that Stephanie has created. For me that means being childless should no longer be a taboo subject.” Find out why Vicky is a World Childless Week Champion
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