Posted 15 January 2018

Bereaved parents in Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas are inviting local people who have also been affected by the death of a baby, to attend a new Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) support group.

Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death) groups support parents whose baby has died before, during or shortly after birth and the next meeting will take place on Monday 5 February 2018 at 7.30pm at Tesco (in the community space which is adjacent to the tills), 15-18 Viking Way, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8EL. Regular bi-monthly meetings will take place on the first Monday of the month at the same venue.

Bereaved parents from Cambridge, Huntingdon, St Ives, Chatteris, Royston, St Neots, Ely, March, Newmarket, Saffron Walden and Cambourne and the surrounding areas are more than welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.

The group would also like to recruit more befrienders so they can offer support meetings every month instead of bi-monthly. Befrienders provide support to anyone affected by the death of a baby over the phone and in person at group meetings. New befrienders must successfully complete Sands’ training, and a minimum of two years must have passed since their baby died.

Sands’ groups are run on a voluntary basis by people who have themselves experienced the death of a baby.

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands, said: “We hope the new Cambridgeshire Sands group will help and support bereaved parents and their families at a devastating time for them. Many bereaved parents tell us that other parents who have experienced the death of a baby are able to offer real understanding and empathy.

“I would urge anyone in the local area who is bereaved to come along to a group meeting in the future. We are dedicated to providing emotional support and information right from the early hours after a baby's death, through to the weeks, months and years ahead.”

The group are linked locally with Addenbrookes (The Rosie) Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital as they arrange Sands’ Improving Bereavement Care training for staff, and provide resources and literature for bereaved parents. In recent months the hospitals have also hosted cake sales by volunteers from the group to raise funds.

For further information call Rose Abrehart, East Network Coordinator at Sands, on 07707 480020 or email rose.abrehart@sands.org.uk The group can also be contacted via its Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Cambridgeshire-SANDS-277404229352431 Follow Sands on Twitter at @SandsUK

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Notes to editors

For further information, please contact Lee Armitt, Press and PR Officer in the Sands press office on 020 3897 3449/07587 925411 or media@sands.org.uk

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About Sands

Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support. Babies are dying every day. Currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. That’s around 4,500 babies a year. And at least 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. These numbers are shocking and show the scale of the problem. Currently, far too many babies die without scientists, doctors, midwives, or their own parents understanding why. That’s why we believe research is vital in improving our understanding of how to save babies’ lives and using that evidence to drive changes in maternity policy and practice. For more than 40 years, Sands has been here for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to offer understanding and comfort through its Freephone helpline, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups. Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK. Sands supports and promotes research to better understand the causes of baby deaths, improve maternity safety and save babies’ lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.

Sands Groups

"I found myself on the phone to a woman whose baby, like mine, had died. 'Tell me about your baby,’ she said and I poured my heart out to a perfect stranger with whom I felt an instant connection." - Mum

Start a new Sands Group

We are very grateful that you are interested in starting a new Sands Group. Before you get started, please be aware that a year or more must have elapsed since your baby died.
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