Coping with loss

The death of a baby during or after pregnancy is heart breaking and devastating. There is definitely help and support available, whether the loss was recent or happened many years ago.

There are many charities and support groups available locally or nationally that you can contact:

SANDS provides emotional support, comfort and practical help to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy of shortly after birth. SANDS have a network of around 100 local SANDs support groups throughout the UK. These are run by dedicated volunteers, most of whom have themselves been affected by the death of a baby.They can provide locally- based support and advice to bereaved parents and family. SANDS also offer support to professionals affected by this area.

SANDs can provide a Family Support Pack with a multitude of information leaflets to provide support and advice to bereaved parents on topics such as:

Saying goodbye to your baby
Supporting children when a baby has died
Future pregnancies after baby loss
Returning to work
Information to employees
Information for fathers and grandparents, friends and family

Contact information for the local SANDS group:

Website: www.southamptonsands.org.uk

Phone no: 07970 981 550- for texts or calls

Email: sands.southampton@hotmail.co.uk

Meetings are also held at Marchwood Village Hall (SO40 4SX) see the website for dates and times.

SANDs Helpline:

Phone no: 0808 164 3332

Email: helpline@sands.org.uk

Website: www.sands.org.uk

Child Bereavement UK offer online information and support when a baby or child dies or when a child has experienced bereavement.

Website: www.babyloss.com/index.php

Email: support@babyloss.com

Helpline no: 0800 028 8840

The Child Death Helpline is for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, under any circumstances, however long ago.It is run by trained volunteers, all of whom are bereaved parents.

Telephone: 0800 282 986 (Freephone)

0808 800 6019 (Free for mobiles)

Email: contact@childdeathhelpline.org.

The Lullaby Trust provides emotional support for bereaved families.

Phone: 0808 8026868 (free phone)

Email: support@lullabytrust.org.uk

Website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk

Phone: 0345 123 2304 (national helpline-10:00-16:00 and 19:00-22:00)

Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk

Winstons Wish is a Childhood bereavement Charity

National Helpline: 0808 802 0021

Email: Info@winstonwish.org.uk