The whole of the UK will be heading to the polls to elect the next Government on 4th July 2024
Help keep baby loss on the agenda this election and ask your candidates to sign our pledge to commit to fundamental change to save babies' lives and improve bereavement care if elected.
Why is this important?
We want to know that parliamentary candidates are committed to taking action to save babies' lives and improve bereavement care if elected.
Across the UK, 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth every day and there remain stark and persistent inequalities in rates of baby loss.
In England, the target to halve the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths by 2025 is not on track. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are still no targets
Far too many bereaved parents tell us they still can’t get the psychological support they need on the NHS.
This is simply not good enough, which is why we're calling on all parliamentary candidates to pledge their commitment to take action to change this if they become MPs.
How you can help
The more we can get candidates talking about baby loss now, the more likely we’ll be able to ensure the next Government commit to saving more babies’ lives and improving care for bereaved families.
1. Ask you candidates to sign our saving babies lives pledge
Email your candidates and ask them to sign our pledge.
We are asking all candidates to pledge to:
Commit to working towards a future where fewer babies die, and all bereaved parents get the care and support they need.
We are keeping a list of candidates who have signed the pledge, which we will be regularly updating. Check if your candidates are already on the list.
If you are a parliamentary candidate and would like to sign the pledge, or would like to know more about the work of Sands, please contact us at campaigns@sands.org.uk.
2. Download our campaigning guide
As well as asking your parliamentary candidates to sign the Sands pledge, a general election is a good opportunity to engage with candidates in many ways.
Some of these include:
- Asking a question when a candidate knocks on your door
- Sending an email asking them a question or for their views
- Engaging with them on social media
- Attending hustings to ask questions
We have put together a campaigning guide which includes some questions you may wish to ask your candidates, and even some tips on organising your own hustings!
3. Read more about the policies we’d like to see the next Government implement
The Sands & Tommy's Joint Policy Unit has produced a document setting out our priorities for the next Government. This includes renewing and expanding the national maternity safety ambitions and providing the best possible support throughout pregnancy and following baby loss.