Befriending - Baby Loss

Befriending - Baby Loss

Posted for Sands

Posted by Mid Sussex Voluntary Action

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Mid Sussex Voluntary Action website to express your interest.

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—either face to face or online—for anyone affected by loss across the United Kingdom.

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. 

Sands Befrienders volunteer in local groups of two or more volunteers to host regular support meetings, run events, and raise awareness. It is up to each local group to decide what activities best meet the needs of their community, so there is plenty of opportunity to be creative.

We have groups that organise support meetings in the form of coffee and chat, walk‑and‑talks, creative activity‑based sessions, choirs, and running clubs.

What skills do I need?

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

At least 12 months should have elapsed since your own bereavement. Many of our volunteers tell us that they had no idea how first anniversaries would affect them until they happened.  

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.  

The agreement to uphold and practice good safeguarding processes and policy learnt from the New Starter Befriender Training.  

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.