Support
No-one can truly understand the heartache of losing a baby unless they have been through it. We know that when you have lost a baby, you can be surrounded by people, but feel very much alone. We are here to offer support, whether you have recently lost, or if it has been some time and you are now in a place where you would like to meet others. We are really glad that you have found us and we hope that you will find the support that you need here.
What we do
We work closely with GWH and the bereavement midwives to offer immediate support to families via our memory boxes and support literature. We hold monthly support meetings in Swindon and Devizes, run fundraising events and social activities, as well as the email, telephone and one to one support by our befrienders. We also have a growing list of recommended 'In Remembrance of' items to help create personal keepsakes such as jewellery and portraits to help keep your little ones close by. We are always here if you need us on the journey ahead..
We are active on Facebook, and you can find out about more about the group and our activities on our Community Page. We also have a private support page, it's open to anyone who needs it, but please email us if you would like access (support.swindon@sands.org.uk).
Support Meetings
We hold monthly support meetings for parents that have gone through the devastation of losing a baby. It can be a great comfort to meet others who have been through similar experiences and to show that you are not alone on this journey. The meetings are very informal and you can talk or just sit and listen. Family and close friends welcome.
We hold support meetings in Swindon and Devizes.
Swindon
The Swindon meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at Lawn Community Centre, Guildford Avenue, Swindon SN3 1JL and run from 7-9.30pm.
The Support Line for Swindon is: 07425 291123
Devizes
We also run a support meeting in Devizes on the last Thursday of each month at St James Parish Centre, Victoria Road, Devizes, SN10 1HA and run from 7.30-9.30pm.
The support line for Devizes is: 07388 649134
Please check the website at regular intervals as dates, venue and time might be liable to change.
Forum
National Sands has a wonderful forum, a safe and supportive place where the death of a baby can be acknowledged, understood and is there to help lessen the isolation that many people feel following this devastating experience.
www.forum.sandsforum.org/
Links
There are a number of other organisations and places where you can find support:
- Sands UK (Main Sands Site)
www.uk-sands.org/ - BLISS the premature baby charity
www.bliss.org.uk - Twins and Multiple Birth Association Bereavement Support Group
https://www.tamba.org.uk/bereavement - Miscarriage Association
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk - Much Loved Support Charity
www.muchloved.com