Bereaved mums and dads in Lincoln could be without the help and support they need after the death of a baby, as the local Lincoln Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) support group is under threat of closure due to a lack of volunteers.

The group currently works in partnership with both Lincoln and Boston hospitals to support them in providing the best care and facilities possible to bereaved parents. However, without volunteers to fill the roles of Chair and Treasurer to support the remaining committee members and Befrienders, they will be forced to close and a valuable resource and much needed support service will be lost.

The group is run on a voluntary basis mainly by people who have themselves experienced the death of a baby, and supports anyone whose baby has died before, during or shortly after birth. However, volunteers do not need to be bereaved parents to be considered for a committee role but need to have an understanding and empathy of the charity's work.

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, said: “I’m appealing to local people in Lincoln and the surrounding areas to help us recruit new volunteers, so we can continue to support local bereaved parents and their families at such 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. 

“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.”

For further information contact Rose Abrehart, East Network Coordinator at Sands on 07707 480020 or email: rose.abrehart@sands.org.uk  Follow Sands on Twitter at @SandsUK   

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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  

About Sands

Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. They work nationally to reduce baby deaths through promoting better maternity care and funding research. They have a programme of training and a wide range of resources designed to support professionals to improve the bereavement care they provide following the death of a baby, and they provide a comprehensive bereavement support service both nationally through their helpline and locally through around 100 regional support groups based across the UK. Further information can be found at www.sands.org.uk