In 2019, Portsmouth and Chichester Sands decided to do something a little different to support bereaved families. They formed the first Sands Choir – Voices of Sands.
Co-Choir Chair Emma says:
“Both Terri [choir co-chair] and I have always loved to sing and love karaoke. I'd joined a community choir after Annabelle died as something just for me because I knew how good singing was for us both physically and mentally, and I found it very therapeutic. Terri's mum and dad run their own DJ and karaoke business, so she'd always been around singing and is amazing! So we loved the idea of a Sands choir, somewhere that people could find support in their grief, learn a new hobby, enjoy all the benefits of singing and have the opportunity to perform and raise awareness for Sands.
“The choir has been an amazing lifeline for so many of us. Like all Sands groups we are totally open to all. You don’t need to have sung before, or even know how, you just have to have a voice and want to share it with others. I've seen members go from being very shy, consumed with grief and the lack of confidence that often comes with it, to becoming very active members of the choir, completely stepping out of their comfort zone and flourishing.
“We meet twice a month for choir practice. There are currently 10 members who come to most meetings. This is different from our usual monthly support meetings, but just as important and beneficial. Coming together to sing as people who have experienced baby loss feels really powerful, it gives us a way to remember and celebrate our babies.”
Bereaved mother and choir member, Jemma says:
“Our songs are chosen sensitively, with baby loss in mind, but that does not define them all and we try and mix slow, moving song types with more upbeat, hopeful music.
I always feel great after a choir session as I allow myself to forget everything and focus on my singing. I see it as my time spent doing something I love with people who have become friends who happen to have experienced a similar trauma to me.”
Emma and the choir have performed at community events like the Wave of Light in Portsmouth for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) and at the Starlight Walk in Bristol last year.
Emma describes the choir first Wave of Light Performance
“It] will stay with me always. We were a wreck with nerves, most of us had never sung in front of anyone, let alone 100+ bereaved parents and families. But we did it together and had so much support. It was really special to us all.
Bereaved mother and choir member, Leoni says:
"Going to choir is so much more to me than just singing. Of course, the support, friendship and understanding from others means a huge amount, but it also helps me feel connected to Logan, our baby we sadly lost in 2022.
"Every time I attend choir, it reminds me why we are all there — to keep the memories of our babies alive, close in our hearts and thoughts, while being surrounded by people who truly understand the journey of loss and love.”
Why join Voices of Sands?
Emma says: “At the heart of the choir is the belief that singing together can be profoundly supportive. For many members, singing offers a way to express emotion when words are hard to find, or simply to be present alongside others who understand loss first‑hand. Sessions are designed so that people can take part in whatever way feels right for them — whether that means singing confidently, singing quietly, or simply listening and being part of the group.
"For anyone thinking of joining, just pop along and see what we're up to. There's no audition or having to sing solo, no need for any musical experience whatsoever! Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, and are all bereaved parents and family so you'll be with others who may understand how you're feeling or what you're going through. Laura [choir director] is just the most wonderful teacher with so much compassion, kindness, patience and talent that she puts everyone at ease straight away."
If you would like to add your voice to the choir, you can contact Emma here.