Meet Patrice

Hello, my name is Patrice Dantzie and I’m the Bereavement Support and Outreach Coordinator for Black Communities. I have worked in the charity sector for almost 10 years on projects that support black communities. I’m passionate about advocating for black mental and maternal health support, and outside of Sands I am a person-centred counsellor specialising in perinatal mental health.

I joined Sands in September 2021 and since then, I’ve had the privilege to witness and be a part of the amazing and hugely important work that is done. I’m also keenly aware of the disparities not only in maternal outcomes for black women, but also in the bereavement care received – the lack of support and understanding which everyone should have access to. It’s a privilege within my role to connect with not only parents and families, but with health professionals and organisations to work to provide culturally sensitive bereavement support for black communities.

Our work to date

This year we have launched monthly support meetings for black communities and will continue to host webinars with topics that will not only provide a safe space to talk, but also the space to ask questions from professionals and those with lived experience. We look forward to starting our information sessions which will be an opportunity for parents and health professionals to learn about the support that we and other organisations offer. We will continue to collaborate with black owned organisations and work with parents and family members to ensure that the support we offer is what is needed the most. 

One of the organisations we collaborated with is  The Motherhood Group to raise awareness of the importance of reaching out for support after loss. Other organisations that we have worked with include Black Mums Upfront, The Perinatal Specialist, Mothers of Angels Host Sunday Tea.  

We also previously worked with Donald Mbeutcha, a Bedfordshire father, whose daughter died in the womb in September 2018 to film his poem called "I Am Still A Father". The poem puts a spotlight on the fathers' experience which can sometimes be forgotten. 
 

If you have suffered baby loss and require support or want to know more about our work and how to get involved, please get in touch with me at patrice.dantzie@sands.org.uk