Befriending - Baby Loss

Sands supports anyone who has been affected by pregnancy or baby loss.

Sands Befrienders are an essential part of the support that Sands offers, providing group peer support.

As a bereaved parent, or someone with experience of baby and pregnancy loss, you will know first-hand how isolating this can be. Sands Befrienders have the ability to hold a welcoming and safe space for those who find themselves in a similar situation.

We know from talking to bereaved families that the support received from Sands Befrienders is invaluable and can be life‑changing.

Isle of Wight Sands is looking for befrienders to help run their monthly support meetings.

Skills

•To have lived experience of being a bereaved parent. A person who has experienced your own or your partners pregnancy or baby loss.

• Able to manage your own experience, emotions and memories of bereavement when supporting others.

• Awareness of your own support needs and the ability to be open with us when you need support.

• Great communication and active listening skills.

• Cultural sensitivity and willingness to learn and support people from all backgrounds, cultures or identities whilst remaining non - judgemental.

• Compassionate, with strong empathy and ability to hold space for conversation when others may be vulnerable in a group environment.