Annie Heading from Sands NI receiving the donation cheque from Seana Deery at Pavers in Derry.
The Pavers Foundation has donated £1,500 to Sands Northern Ireland (NI), a charity supporting parents who have lost their babies before, during or shortly after birth.
Seana Deery, Supervisor at Pavers in Derry, submitted a grant application to support Sands NI after her friend received invaluable support from the charity.
About Sands NI
Sands, Stillbirth and neonatal death charity, was established by bereaved parents in 1978. Sands NI supports anyone affected by the death of a baby; works in partnership with health professionals to improve the quality of care and services offered to bereaved families; and promotes and funds research and changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives. It is a national organisation, with around 100 regional support groups across the UK.
“I chose to support Sands NI after they provided my friends with invaluable support following the stillbirth of their little boy, Sam. My friend had to give birth to Sam and it wasn't until days later that she discovered what Sands NI had done for them.
Sands NI ensure that the parents' final moments with their babies are as precious as possible. Each family is given a memory box that has a scrapbook and disposable camera, so they have memories and pictures with their little ones before funeral or blessings. Sands hold meetings every month in different locations across Northern Ireland, so they can meet other parents who understand exactly what they are going through. Also, they provide leaflets and booklets to assure them that they are never alone if they need support.”
Seana Deery, Supervisor at Pavers in Derry
Stillbirth is not rare and it’s a tragedy that can happen to anyone. The UK’s stillbirth rate remains unacceptably high. More research is needed to help identify babies at risk and reduce the loss of babies’ lives.
“We are delighted to receive such a generous grant from the Pavers Foundation and would like to say a big thank you to the organisation.
The vital funds will enable us to continue to support bereaved parents and their families in a number of different ways, including providing Memory Boxes to all hospitals in Northern Ireland.
The grant could also be used to help fund 12 Sands Northern Ireland monthly support evenings which are run by our volunteer befrienders; and help fund improving bereavement care training workshops and bereavement photography courses for health care professionals.”
Steven Guy, Northern Ireland Network Coordinator for Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity)
Sands’ National Freephone Helpline number is 0808 164 3332 or email: [email protected] it’s open to anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby whether recently or long ago.
To find out how to get involved or donate please visit: www.sands.org.uk
