Sands has launched a Winter Appeal to help fund its bereavement support services for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Every day, 14 babies are stillborn or die within first month of their lives in the UK. That’s over 5,000 babies each year, in addition to 250,000 known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. 

The dark winter months and festive celebrations can be an extremely difficult time for  those living with loss; with so much focus on family, children and socialising, they can feel even more isolated and alone in their grief.

Find out how to support Sands' Winter Appeal

Sands has seen a 30% increase in demand for its helpline and bereavement support services and the complexity of needs has increased. During 2020 it cost just over £10,000 each week for Sands to deliver bereavement support services across the UK.

Every parent expects to bring their baby home, but tragically we know for thousands of people every year this is not the case. Sands is committed to ensuring anyone affected has the dedicated support they need. But, over eighteen months since the first lockdown, the landscape remains challenging. We are urging everyone to donate to our Appeal and help Sands support anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss this winter and provide a real lifeline to those struggling to cope.

- Clea Harmer, Chief Executive

Since the start of the pandemic Sands has:  

• answered over 3,000 calls to its accredited helpline (0808 164 3332). 
• responded to over 5,000 emails seeking bereavement support (helpline@sands.org.uk).
• seen its bereavement support app downloaded over 4,500 times and GriefChat service used by 1,200 people.  
• seen its Facebook support group grow to over 2,100 members.  
• distributed 3,700 memory boxes and over 5,000 hand and footprint kits. 
• trained over 2,000 healthcare professionals through its bereavement care webinars.

Sands is here for anyone who needs support this winter - find out more at sands.org.uk/copingatchristmas