Coping at Christmas
The festive season can be an extremely difficult time for anyone who has been bereaved and with so much focus on celebrations and family, and the hustle and bustle of this time of year, those living with loss can feel even more isolated and alone in their grief. For many families that have experienced baby loss, this time of year can be especially difficult. For many bereaved parents this Christmas should have been so very different and many may not know where to turn or what to do.
While nothing will stop this being an incredibly difficult time for any bereaved parent, or anyone who has been affected by baby loss, we want those families and friends to know that they are not alone. You can find out about the support available particularly over the festive period, ideas on ways to cope and how to look after yourself or help support a bereaved parent.
Find out about the support available particularly over the festive period, ideas on ways to cope and how to look after yourself or help support a bereaved parent.
We are holding annual Lights of Love services in December at venues across the UK. The services are family friendly evenings of traditional carols, reading and musical performances. All services are free to attend, there is no need to book and you do not need a ticket. If you're unable to attend, you can still leave a message and make a donation in memory of your baby on our Lights of Love Christmas Tree.
Get involved today and help make a difference to the lives of the bereaved families across the UK.
Discover 12 ways to fundraise for Sands this festive season
However you choose to support Sands the funds that we raise together can and will make a significant difference. Every penny raised will help to make sure that our bereavement support services are available to anyone one who needs them in the weeks and months to come.
Host a Sands December draw - a great way to engage your colleagues in the office and spread the joy. Download the poster.
Snowflake Bake
Snowflake Bake
The perfect way of bringing your friends, family, colleagues and community together for a catch up over cake and coffee whilst supporting a great cause. Take some inspiration from Sands recipe book and sign up today!
Mistletoe Memory Walk
Mistletoe Memory Walk
Organise your own sponsored mistletoe walk this December. Walk in memory with friends and family and make it a day to remember. Find out more and download your pack today!
Make a donation to support bereaved parents
The death of a loved and much wanted baby is devastating at any time of the year, but perhaps even more so at Christmas. Across the UK 15 babies on average will die each day. During December over 450 babies will be born and will not go home for Christmas. So many families’ lives for ever changed.
Through our free support services which includes a Helpline, Family Support packs and Memory boxes, UK-wide network of support Groups, and an online forum, we can be there to offer comfort and support whenever it is needed. Your support can make a real difference today. Help us to ensure our support services remain available to everyone that needs them this festive season.
Thank you for your support!
You can also support Sands by simply text SAND15 to 70070 to donate £3, £5 or £10. Thank you.
Here's how your support makes a difference:
- Empowering families – £10 will pay for a family support pack for bereaved parents in need of information and advice.
- Building Memories – £20 will pay for a Sands Memory Box to help parents to create memories and collect keepsakes in a very special way.
- Train a Midwife – £140 could provide a day’s training for a midwife - helping to make sure every parent whose baby has died receives equally excellent bereavement care wherever they are in the UK.
- Be a lifeline - £580 would pay for a day’s session of the Sands Helpline providing a safe, confidential place where anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby can find support and information without judgement.
For more information about this year's Christmas appeal, contact our dedicated fundraising elves on fundraising@sands.org.uk or 0203 897 6092.