Sands Helpline to open on Christmas Day and New Year to support bereaved parents

Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) knows that the festive period can be a particularly difficult and lonely time for parents who have experienced the death of a baby. 

For this reason the charity has extended the opening hours of its Freephone Helpline to include Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The confidential helpline provides a safe place for anyone affected by the death of a baby to seek comfort and support. The charity’s experienced bereavement support team is there to listen and signpost to further help.

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity), said: “Bereaved parents tell us that Christmas can be highly emotional for them as they spend time with their close friends and families and remember their babies who have died. So we have responded by extending the opening hours of our Helpline at a time they may need us the most.

“I would urge anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby to get in touch if they want to talk to us over the festive period. We are dedicated to providing emotional support and information right from the early hours after a baby’s death, through to the weeks, months and years ahead.”

The Sands Helpline will open during the following hours:

• Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) – 10am-3pm and 7pm-9pm.
• Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December) – 10am-3pm and 7pm-9pm.
• Wednesday 27 December to Friday 29 December – normal helpline hours – 9.30am – 5.30pm.
• New Year’s Day (Monday 1 January) – 10am-3pm.
• Tuesday 2 January – normal helpline hours resume – 9.30am- 5.30pm.

The Sands Freephone Helpline number is: 0808 164 3332. Bereaved parents and their families can also email the Helpline if they would prefer at:helpline@sands.org.uk

For further information on the different types of support offered by Sands visit: www.sands.org.uk/support/how-we-offer-support

Follow the charity on Twitter: @SandsUK

Staff Writer