Bereaved parents in Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Cleethorpes and North Lincolnshire are appealing to local people who have been affected by the death of a baby, to volunteer as befrienders so they can set up new Sands groups to support other bereaved parents.  

Befrienders offer support by phone to anyone affected by the death of a baby and in person at group meetings. New volunteers will be asked to attend befriender training, and a minimum of two years must have passed since their baby died.

We are also looking for individuals willing to take on a committee roles such as chair, secretary, treasurer or fundraiser. Being a bereaved parent is not a requirement to become a member of the committee, but volunteers must have an interest and empathy with Sands’ work.

The charity is currently supporting two groups of parents in Scunthorpe and Cleethorpes who are hoping to set up two new Sands groups, as currently there is no support available in North Lincolnshire. One group will cover Scunthorpe and the other - Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The dedicated and committed volunteers in both towns are due to undertake Sands’ training at the end of March to help them set the groups up.  Sands groups are run on a voluntary basis by people most of whom have themselves experienced the death of a baby.

Karen Swarbrick, a bereaved mother from Scunthorpe, said: "Scunthorpe is so in need of a Sands group, which we are currently setting up. As a previous midwife and health visitor I know first-hand how little support bereaved parents may have. This can have a massive impact on how they deal with their loss. As a bereaved parent myself I know how important a Sands group can be to help understand one’s own feelings and talk to others who have experienced the same.

“Specially trained befrienders can help so much as they are bereaved parents themselves and have an understanding of bereavement. Although we have some volunteers, if anyone is interested in either becoming a trained befriender or volunteer for the group, it would be so much appreciated.” 

Katy Mundford, a bereaved mother from Cleethorpes said: “I wouldn’t be here without Sands. Their support was so important to me when my son Isaac died. I desperately needed to talk to other people, who instantly understood me. It was my safe place, and now I want to make sure people in the local area also have that safe place to talk.”  

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, said: “I would urge anyone in North Lincolnshire who would like to, to volunteer and help make forming the new groups a reality. 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.”

Bereaved parents value support from Sands, as the charity offers monthly meetings with trained befrienders, practical guidance, emotional support, access to information and literature. Sands groups also support local hospitals to provide the best care possible following death of a baby.

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