The Newcastle Sands support group will hold their next meeting at a new venue for the first time on Monday 4th November.

Bereaved parents, their families and anyone affected by the death of a baby in Newcastle and the North East, are invited join for a cup of tea and a chat at the new venue in the Community Room at Tesco, Brunton Lane, Kingston Park, Newcastle NE3 2FP from 8pm-9.30pm.

Subsequent meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month at the same venue.

The meetings are run by trained volunteer bereaved parents to support other bereaved parents, their families and anyone affected by the death of a baby.

Ashleigh Corker, North East Network Coordinator at Sands, said: “Sands was an absolute lifeline when my son Thomas was stillborn 12 years ago. This devastating time can be very isolating and many find comfort and support from meeting with others who understand what they are going through.”

The group is also looking to recruit new befrienders. Befrienders offer support to bereaved parents, and anyone affected by the death of a baby, over the phone and in person at group meetings.

A bereaved parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling can become a befriender as long as they have attended at least four support meetings and completed Sands’ training. Another requirement is that a minimum of two years must have passed since their baby died.

Earlier this month Baby Loss Awareness Week took place (9-15th October) attracting huge support across the North East region with many public buildings and monuments lighting up in pink and blue light (the colours of the Baby Loss Awareness ribbon), to raise awareness of baby loss and to help start a conversation on the subject.

As part of the Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Newcastle Sands group arranged and paid for the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to turn pink and blue during the Wave of Light on 15th October inviting bereaved parents, families and their friends to come together on the bridge at 7pm and light candles in memory of their babies.

For further information about the Newcastle Sands support group, email: newcastle@sands.org.uk or call the Sands national Freephone Helpline on 0808 164 3332. Visit: https://newcastle.sands.org.uk

Visit our support page to find out about all of the different ways we can support you and your family.

Picture – The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was lit up in pink and blue light during Baby Loss Awareness Week.  Picture by Newcastle Sands.

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