Bereaved parents and their families in Scunthorpe and the surrounding areas, are being invited to a new group that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby.
The Scunthorpe support group, which is part of Sands, will hold their first meeting on Wednesday 9 January at The Mind Rooms, Printers Yard, Fenton Street, Scunthorpe DN15 6QX from 7.15pm - 9.15pm.
Bereaved parents and their families in the locality are more than welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.
Our East of England Network Coordinator, Rose Abrehart, said: “Sands was aware that there was little support for bereaved parents in North Lincolnshire. Luckily we have met with some amazing people including bereaved parents and health care professionals in the county, who wanted to become Sands volunteers and set up support groups.
“I hope that the new Scunthorpe Sands group will enable bereaved parents and families to access help and support when they need it the most and within a reasonable distance to their home.”
Karen Swarbrick, a bereaved mother from Scunthorpe, is one of the group befrienders. Karen said: "As a previous midwife and health visitor, I know first hand how little support bereaved parents have had which can have a massive impact on how they deal with their loss and their future lives.
"At the Scunthorpe group, we are all focussed on providing support in a welcoming, safe and confidential environment. Please do contact us if you need support."
Sands groups support parents whose baby has died before, during or shortly after birth and are run on a voluntary basis by parents who have themselves experienced the death of a baby.
Our chief executive, Clea Harmer, said: “We hope that the new Scunthorpe Sands group will be a source of support and comfort to bereaved parents and their families at a devastating time for them.
“Many bereaved parents tell us that other parents who have experienced the death of a baby are able to offer real understanding and empathy. We are dedicated to providing emotional support and information after a baby dies for as long as it is needed.”
The Scunthorpe Sands group will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of each month at The Mind Rooms throughout the year.
The group is also looking to recruit further befrienders to who can provide support to anyone affected by the death of a baby over the phone and in person at group meetings.
New befrienders must successfully complete Sands’ befriender training, and a minimum of a year must have passed since their baby died.
To find out more about the group and the befriender role, call Karen or Elaine on 07522 938821 or email: scunthorpe@sands.org.uk
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