Bereaved parents and their families in Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk are being invited to a new group that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby.
The new West Suffolk Sands group which is part of Sands, held their launch event last week with an awareness and fundraising stall at The Arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds.
The group is now looking to recruit a treasurer to manage their finances over the next six months to a year.
The voluntary position would suit a local person with business and financial acumen and skills to support the group. Being a bereaved parent is not a requirement to become a treasurer, but volunteers must have an interest and empathy with Sands’ work.
Our groups support parents whose baby has died before, during or shortly after birth and are run on a voluntary basis by parents who have themselves experienced the death of a baby.
Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands, said: “We hope that the new West Suffolk Sands group will be a source of support and great comfort to bereaved parents and their families at a devastating time for them. I would urge anyone in the local area to get in contact if they can help to fill the treasurer role.
“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 after a baby dies for as long as it is needed.”
We are pleased to be growing and reaching out to more bereaved parents with new groups, in our 40th anniversary this year.
West Suffolk Sands will hold their first monthly support meeting on Thursday 4 October from 7pm-9pm at Oddfellows Hall, 85 Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1NX. Bereaved parents in the locality and surrounding areas are more than welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.
The group will continue to meet on the first Thursday of each month throughout the year.
To find out more or to volunteer for the treasurer roles, contact Rose Abrehart, East Network Coordinator at Sands, on 07707 480020 or email: rose.abrehart@sands.org.uk