The Sands helpline is open to anyone affected by the death of a baby. We offer support to people around the time of their baby’s death and during the months and years that follow. There is no time limit.

 When your baby has died it can sometimes be difficult to talk with those around you about what has happened. Our helpline provides a safe place and someone to listen or just be with you..

"My need to speak to someone who had 'been there' was overpowering. I found myself on the phone to a woman whose baby, like mine, had died. 'Tell me about your baby,' she said and I found myself pouring my heart out to a perfect stranger with whom I felt an instant connection."

You can ring our confidential Helpline, or talk to another bereaved parent. You may want information or help in making decisions, especially in the days after your baby's death. Our experienced helpline team can offer support and will give you time and space to talk about what you want to do. The helpline team also has information about other sources of help and can put you in touch with the kind of support that is right for you.

We know it can be difficult to pick up the phone and you are welcome to email or write to us instead. Many family members, friends and health professionals also contact us for information, advice and support.

Helpline 020 7436 5881   helpline(at)uk-sands.org

Monday – Friday 9.30 – 5.30

Tuesday and Thursday Evenings 6pm – 10pm

Or Write to Sands 28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY

Many parents feel that although people can sympathise, parents who have experienced the death of a baby can offer real understanding and empathy. Meeting other bereaved parents who have had a similar experience can help you to feel less isolated. 

"I thought I was the only person in the world who had a baby that had died".

Sands has a network of around 100 local support groups throughout the UK and ten affiliated overseas groups. The groups are run by bereaved parents who are past the first year of their own experience and have attended Sands befriender training. Most of the groups offer support meetings, telephone support, and/or a home visit if you would like one.

Sands befrienders play an important role in offering parents the opportunity to meet and share their experiences with other bereaved parents.

If you would like to meet with other parents, we can put you in touch with a local Sands' contact in your area. Call the Sands helpline (020 7436 5881) or our head office (020 736 7940) to find out who your local group is. Some of the groups, but by no means all, have their own websites.

Groups often organise ways of remembering the babies who have died in their area. This may be by arranging memorials services, or finding funding for a memorial plaque, bench, statue or garden.

Sometimes bereavement can bring other personal issues to the surface. If you feel you would prefer to speak to an independent counsellor, your GP should be able to refer you to one in your area. You may find that there is a waiting list.

Alternatively you could get in touch with your local branch of Cruse Bereavement Care by contacting their daytime helpline on 0844 4779400, their central office on 0208 939 9530, or by looking at their website www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk.

To see a private counsellor in your area you could contact the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy at www.bacp.co.uk. Click on 'find a therapist' then just type in your postcode and the site will give you a list of local therapists.

If you need to speak to someone urgently during the night you can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo(at)samaritans.org 24 hours a day.

There may be other issues you would like to investigate regarding the cause of your baby's death. Within other support links you may find an organisation which can help you.

In personal experiences you will  find the stories of many other families.