Sands provides bereavement support services for parents and families who experience the death of a baby from causes relating to early pregnancy loss, interruption of pregnancy for an abnormality, stillbirth and neonatal death. Sands has been supporting families since 1983.
What we do
24 Hour Parent Support Line
1300 0 sands (1300 0 72637)
Bereaved parents, family members and health professionals can talk in confidence to an experienced parent support volunteer. The parent supporters are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our parent supporters are volunteers so if you reach an answering machine, please leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible. The above number is for support calls.
Email Support
Sometimes it can be easier to communicate by email than by phone. When you email the coordinator, a parent supporter will return your email and offer support and information.
Support Group Meetings
Many parents find comfort in talking with other bereaved parents. Sharing experiences can help reduce the feelings of isolation that are often felt. Support groups take place in many areas of Queensland. A full list of suport meetings can be found on our events page.
Regional Support
Sands Queensland has many active regional groups and contacts, including a strong presence in Cairns, Toowoomba and Townsville. Remember that you can call the Parent Support Line 1300 0 sands (1300 0 72637) to speak with a parent supporter at any time, no matter when you live in Australia. We may also be able to put you in contact with other bereaved parents in your area.
Library
Our library contains a large range of resources including books, DVDs and videos on topics relevant to bereaved parents. These resources are available for loan by dropping into the Sands Queensland office or they can be mailed to you. The library service is free but a donation of stamps to cover postage is always welcome.
Newsletter
Our newsletter provides information and support, and a link with other parents. Many find it especially helpful to read about the experiences of other bereaved parents and to know they are not alone. Three complimentary issues of the newsletter are available for all parents who are new to Sands Qeensland. The newsletter is produced by volunteer parents at the New Farm office.
Publications
A comprehensive range of booklets and brochures relating to grief and loss following the death of a baby is available. These have been written for and by bereaved parents.
Advocacy
Sands Queensland advocates on behalf of all bereaved parents in relation to relevant issues that may arise. Examples include: the registration of babies born after 20 weeks and the recognition of stillborn babies by Centrelink. Sands Queensland will also advocate on behalf of individual parents where appropriate.
Membership
You don’t have to be a member of Sands Queensland to access these services but paying the small membership fee helps us continue our work to support bereaved families.