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A group of women sit talking around a table. Two have their backs to the camera and the one on the left is gesturing with her hand to make a point. In the background we see another table discussion between two women and a man.

Government confirms unpaid bereavement leave after miscarriage or pregnancy loss

Today, the UK Government has confirmed that families in England, Wales and Scotland who experience a miscarriage or pregnancy loss...

Posted 22 September 2026

Helen Wilson receives the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care from Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands

North East midwife wins Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care

A midwife whose exceptional compassion and dedication helped a family through the loss of their baby has been named the...

Posted 8 September 2026

Two people sat down, no faces are in shot, but they are holding hands in a private moment

Bereaved Parents and Families’ Experiences of Care survey: take part

Sands is asking bereaved parents and families to share their experiences of pregnancy, maternity and neonatal care following pregnancy or...

Posted 2 September 2026

Stillbirth: "I changed that day forever” - Eileen’s story

Eileen shares how 26 years ago her son Jack was born at 25 weeks and six days. When she and her husband arrived at the hospital, they were told that Jack would be born too early (stillbirth) and there was nothing that could be done to save him. Jack was born bum first and Eileen and her husband held him. He turned his cheek to her and then Eileen felt him pass away in her arms. 26 years on there’s not a day that passes that Eileen doesn’t think about Jack. She’ll never get over the pain of losing him but her two rainbow daughters help her to cope.

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Stillbirth: “Seeing my own child going through so much grief will never leave me” - Donna’s Story

Donna shares how when her first grandchild, Elsie-Jacqueline was stillborn at 34 weeks in December 2024 what should have been one of the best days of her life turned into one of the worst. Donna was present during Elsie’s birth to support her son and his partner, but she shares how seeing her own child go through so much grief is something that will never leave her for the rest of her life. For Elsie’s funeral, Donna changed the words of a poem to include Elsie’s name, and this was read out for her. She shares how today her family talk about Elsie all the time to keep her memory alive. They will never forget her and will love her forever.

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No baby will ever be forgotten

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Latest updates from Sands

Government confirms unpaid bereavement leave after miscarriage or pregnancy loss

North East midwife wins Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care

Bereaved Parents and Families’ Experiences of Care survey: take part

Your stories of baby loss

Stillbirth: "I changed that day forever” - Eileen’s story

Stillbirth: “Seeing my own child going through so much grief will never leave me” - Donna’s Story

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