Sands has launched a new Training and Education microsite to help for all professionals with a duty of care to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to look after anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Sands has been leading the way with bereavement care training for professionals since 2015 and Sands Training has been refreshed and updated to help push continued improvement.

The new microsite is the latest addition to Sands' bereavement care training offer and includes resources for employers and other support organisations.    

It can be difficult to know what to say or do to support someone who has had a miscarriage or if their baby has died, this is where Sands Training and Education can help.

No level of care can remove someone’s pain and grief however high-quality support can have a positive impact on their wellbeing, in the short-term and for the rest of their lives.

- Clare Worgan, Head of Training and Education at Sands

Sands training offers the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to sensitively support those who have experienced baby loss.  The charity offers training via webinar or workshop to a variety of professionals including the NHS, community support organisations, private companies and public sector organisations.  

To ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best possible care it is vital that all professionals have the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer safe and sensitive care.

Sands training webinars have been a valuable source of support and training, with staff within their feedback finding it extremely useful, especially as they were able to hear ‘parents voices’, which is something that may not have been heard on conventional training days.

- Jacqueline Dorrian, Bereavement Support Midwife

Listening to bereaved parents

Bereavement care is improving in some areas of the UK, with advances in practices and progress on the National Bereavement Care Pathway, however there is still much work to do. 

It was nice to see changes that have been put in place following my son's death and how the hospitals are going to link together better

- Bereaved parent

The voice of bereaved parents remains at the heart of our materials but we now teach a variety of related subjects including safety topics such as engaging parents in a review of their care. 

The midwife suggested that I pack a camera to take pictures of our baby – I can remember thinking how terrible to take pictures of a dead baby. The pictures we now have of him are truly precious. I’m so grateful she mentioned something so simple, important and caring.

- Bereaved dad

The new microsite will evolve over time as new materials and learning opportunities are developed.

Find out more: www.sands.org.uk/training