Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

Stay at home if you have either:

- a high temperature - you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

- a new, continuous cough. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. This means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do

Read the NHS advice about staying home including how long to isolate for.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

- You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

- Your condition gets worse

- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

For further information on: High risk groups, How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus and Pregnancy advice. Go to: nhs.uk/coronavirus.

For information on social distancing, go to: gov.uk/guidance-on-social-distancing

Ring our main telephone line on 01777 713330 to book an appointment. Say immediately if your call is an emergency.Your condition may be assessed by a triage Doctor, who will then either provide you with advice or give you an appointment to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional.

Parenting courses, family support and toy library. Family support worker may be able to help with form filling. Sensory equipment is used during the play sessions.

COVID19 update, 10th August 2020 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) essential information.  Treatment is available at all gestations up to 24 weeks.  Open as usual - here if you need us

 

We also provide:

Contraception

Counselling

Sterilisation, Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal

STI testing, BPAS by post

 

Information on abortion policy and practice

Miscarriage is never easy

If you’ve been affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, we hope this website will provide the information that you’re looking for.

We hope that family, friends, colleagues and health professionals will find the site helpful too.

We’re here to help you through.

Acknowledges the distress associated with pregnancy loss and strives to make a positive difference to those whom it affects. 

Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.

 

Coronavirus and miscarriage: your care

On this page, we share information on how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting access to hospital services for those who are pregnant or experiencing a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, current information for those thinking about trying to conceive and for those awaiting investigations.

Last updated: 18 May 2020

We all know that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a major impact on many lives and especially on access to healthcare.  NHS services need to focus on the most ill and most vulnerable people and we are all being asked to avoid using GP, community or hospital services as much as possible.  This helps us to protect NHS patients, the staff caring for them, ourselves and each other.

Early pregnancy and maternity services are no different, so we hope the following information helps you to understand the impact this might have on anyone affected by pregnancy loss.  

Access to hospital services for people who are currently pregnant or experiencing a miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy

With increased pressure on the NHS due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, most early pregnancy units are having to limit the service they provide:

• to minimise the risk of exposure to the virus for people coming into a hospital environment
• to reduce the risk of spread within the hospital and
• because of reduced staff numbers caused by sickness, self-isolation and because of staff being moved to different departments, such as emergency care.

Wendy and Barry describe their experience of having a miscarriage during the coronavirus pandemic, with reduced access to hospital services.

However, anyone who needs emergency care for severe pain, very heavy vaginal bleeding, possible ectopic or molar pregnancy or other acute symptoms will still be seen and assessed in person, either by the specialist team or in the Accident and Emergency Department.

New information from the RCOG on early pregnancy care

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has published a guide to early pregnancy services during the coronavirus pandemic.  While it focuses mainly on women and couples in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, it is equally helpful for  anyone who is not yet booked with a midwife or an antenatal clinic.

Ultrasound scans

There are very likely to be limits on ultrasound scans and most hospitals will allow only the woman being scanned to attend her appointment.  Some will allow use of a mobile or smartphone for part of the appointment so that the partner or other supporter can take part remotely but that will depend on the individual hospital’s policy  This can be very distressing, we know.

Miscarriage management

There will be fewer non-emergency surgical procedures under general anaesthetic, so women with a missed or incomplete miscarriage or a ‘blighted ovum’ or  anembryonic pregnancy are more likely to be offered only natural (expectant) or medical management of miscarriage at home rather than being treated in hospital.  We provide more detailed information about these options and what they mean for you on this page.  And Amy shares her experience of medical management during lockdown here.

Ectopic pregnancy assessment and management

Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition, so early assessment and treatment are crucial and access to care should remain as normal.  See here for more information.

Molar pregnancy diagnosis and management

With fewer women having surgical management, it may take longer for some molar pregnancies to be diagnosed,  so it’s very important to contact the hospital if a pregnancy tests is still positive 3 weeks after your loss.  But once molar pregnancy has been diagnosed, care and follow-up will be as normal. You’ll find more information on our molar pregnancy pages, starting here.

If you are pregnant or currently experiencing a loss

If you need urgent advice regarding your pregnancy, you are encouraged to telephone your local Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit or Emergency Gynaecology Unit, or your midwife or antenatal clinic if you are already booked with them.  It’s important to be as clear as possible about your symptoms or worries to help staff to assess your needs and advise on next steps.  Please be assured that if you need emergency care for severe pain, very heavy vaginal bleeding, suspected ectopic pregnancy or other acute symptoms, then you will be assessed in person and seen accordingly.

If you are not pregnant, but planning on trying for a baby

The Association of Early Pregnancy Units suggests that you consider waiting until the pandemic is over before trying to conceive. This is to minimise the burden on the health service, to ensure you have full access to early pregnancy and maternity care and because it is too soon to fully understand the effect of the virus in pregnancy.  But everyone’s circumstances differ and this will always be your decision.

If you are waiting investigations following recurrent or second trimester miscarriage

Investigations into the possible causes of  recurrent miscarriage or late loss are currently suspended in most hospitals, but there are plans to reintroduce them gradually over the next few weeks.  As with other services, this will depend on the availability of specialist staff, some of whom have been diverted to other areas of care during the pandemic.

Information, guidance and support

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has general up to date information and guidance on pregnancy and Coronavirus at www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/.

And of course, you can contact us at the Miscarriage Association for information and support.  We don’t give medical advice but we can help you think through how best to manage at this time.

You can call us: 01924 200799 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

We know that picking up the phone and talking to someone you don’t know can sometimes be a scary experience.  But we’ll do everything we can to make you feel comfortable, to listen and understand and to answer your questions to the best of our abilities.

You can email us:  info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk  (any time)

You might not feel able to talk on the phone – or perhaps you aren’t able to call during our office hours.  We also provide information and offer support via email and aim to reply the same or the next working day.

You can use Live Chat:  (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Click on the button in the bottom right of your screen to chat with one of our support workers.  If we can’t reply right away, you can leave a message we will email you back as soon as we can.

You can send a direct message:

Send a DM through Facebook or Instagram.  We’ll aim to reply the same or the next working day.

Or you might prefer to find support and information online:

You’ll find links to our online support here.

We talk about pregnancy loss and mental health here.

 

 

Introducing a new ambassador for the M.A.

7th July 2020

We are delighted to welcome our new ambassador, former Strictly professional, Natalie Lowe!

Natalie begins her new role in our team with a very special announcement about our new and exciting fundraising challenge, Miles That Matter.

Our goal is to raise £25,000 to fund our helpline for 100 days. We also hope to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy loss and to encourage people to make use of the Miscarriage Association’s support and information services.

Natalie has shared a video to explain more about the fundraiser and what it means to her.

I’m going to be pulling on my trainers and I’d love you to be part of Team M.A., too.

We’re really looking forward to working with Natalie, on Miles That Matter and more. We’re so grateful for her support.

COVID-19 and changes that impact on bereaved families

We are very sorry you have to access this guide. The death of a baby is a devastating loss and we know how much more distressing this is likely to be at a time of uncertainty and worry over how medical and public services operate.

Please remember to follow government advice about staying alert and safe (social distancing) that is in place where you live:

·         England

·         Northern Ireland

·         Scotland

·         Wales

If you have concerns about yourself or someone else developing symptoms please refer to NHS 111 advice about Covid-19.

Throughout this time, our bereavement support services remain available to anyone affected by the death of a baby, bereaved parents, family members and healthcare staff.

Our freephone helpline is available to call on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk

The opening hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 5.30-9.30pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Writing to Sands during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic

As Sands London and regional offices are now closed with all remaining staff working from home should you need to make contact then please do so by telephone, email or using a Contact Us form on this website. We are able to check post infrequently as a result of the current restrictions so if you cannot use telephone or email then please be aware it may be sometime before we can access our offices to collect our correspondence. Therefore before you place anything in the post please get in touch as we may be able to offer alternative routes – e.g. bank account details to pay in a cheque

You can email:

General: info@sands.org.uk

Fundraising/Supporter Care: fundraising@sands.org.uk

Helpline: helpline@sands.org.uk

Shop: shop@sands.org.uk

Telephone:

General enquiries 020 7436 7940/ 020 3897 6094

Helpline: 0808 164 3332

Fundraising/Supporter Care: 020 3897 6092

Shop: 020 3031 8898

Sands Office

Our registered office is in London, and is open between 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Call us on: 020 7436 7940

Write to us at:

Victoria Charity Centre
11 Belgrave Road
London
SW1V 1RB

 

 

 

About Sands

Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it. 

Sands provides bereavement support services both nationally through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups. 

Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK.

Sands promotes and funds research to better understand the causes of baby deaths and save babies’ lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.

Over the past 40 years, Sands has grown into a national charity with a powerful vision, to create a world where fewer babies die, shared by dedicated volunteers, fundraisers, members, donors, healthcare professionals, partners, staff and bereaved parents and families. 

 

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 lockdown all groups at the Children’s Centres are currently suspended. As soon as we can re-open we’ll post our timetable here and let families know via our Facebook page 

Information about local services for children, young people and their families including child care and help available to pay for it.

Children’s Centres can offer one to one or group support with:

• the emotional health of you or your child
• playing with your child
• children’s behaviour
• domestic abuse
• children’s development, including listening and communication
• feeding your child
• increasing your confidence and help to get a job
• preparing for a baby

We can give you information about other services, and our groups are a great place to meet other parents and carers with young children. There are also lots of volunteering opportunities - ask at your local Children's Centre or use the contact details below to find out more

Training opportunities for parents/carers delivered by local colleges and other training providers

Tailored packages of support are available if required

Provides a fun, safe place for children to play and develop, a place for families to talk to each other.  This could be in the centre, community venue or local toddler group.

A chance for all parents including fathers and young parents to get health and parenting advice and support from midwives, health visitors, family support workers and many more

Quality play and early learning experiences provided by children's workers, childminders, day care settings and schools; all supported by a teacher.  This includes funded education for all three and four year olds for 12.5 hours per week.

Links with Job Centre Plus if you are considering new opportunities in employment or training , or need advice on benefits

All services aim to be inclusive for children and parents with additional needs, linking with specialist services and early support.

Opportunities to volunteer and be part of the management, planning and evaluation of children's centres and have a say about local services.

 

Regular Groups

Stay and Play,  Monday 9.00-10.30am

Come along to one of our play sessions, with a variety of activities for your children (0 up to 5 years) to enjoy whilst learning and developing important skills.

Under 1s Group, Wednesday 1.30-3.00pm

BABES Breastfeeding Group, Thursday 9.30-11.30am

Come along and meet other breastfeeding and pregnant women, you can also receive support from a trained Breastfeeding Peer Supporter. 

Self-Weigh

Monday 9.00am – 12.00pm

 

The Children’s Centre can also offer support with:

• Meeting other parents/carers
• Emotional health
• Children’s development
• Children’s behaviour
• Children’s emotional health
• Playing with your child
• Domestic abuse
• Family life
• Preparing for a baby
• Understanding your child
• Feeding your baby/child
• Financial advice and support
• Help to get a job
• Volunteering with us
• Increasing your confidence
• Signposting to other services
• Listening and communications

Parents/carers can request support by speaking to staff at the Children’s Centres or in groups or telephoning

COVID19 update 24th August 2020 - 

In light of the recent Government recommendations that the UK population should wherever possible avoid social contact and that all non-essential travel and meetings are avoided, we have made the decision to suspend all Compassionate Friends group support meetings and face to face support due to the rise in the spread of coronavirus. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but rather it is to protect the health of our members and the wider community.

We very aware that our support groups are a place where you can safely come and talk about your child and share any thoughts and feelings around your bereavement; so we appreciate that many of you will find it difficult that this support is not available for the time being.

Please do remember that you can call the TCF Helpline any day of the week if you would like to speak with another bereaved parent who is there to listen on 0345 123 2304 (10 am – 4 pm, 7 -10 pm). If the Helpline is busy, please clearly leave your name, number and a short message and one of our team will get back to you as soon as they can (please note, this may not be the same day). You can also email the helpline for support at helpline@tcf.org.uk.

Please do also consider joining one of our private Facebook Groups or online Forum for support and to talk with other bereaved parents and siblings. Details are here

Our postal library will still be operating but will offer a more limited service during this time. For more information contact Mary at library@tcf.org.uk.

We are reviewing all events and gatherings planned for the next few months and will be contacting those who have booked onto our future supportive weekends over the coming days and weeks.

 

 

The group aims to support parents who have lost a child of any age. The supporters themselves are bereaved parents. 

Meetings are held every 6 weeks in members homes.

Our committed, friendly and well-qualified childcare team provides high-quality care and learning opportunities for children aged between 0-11 years. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on learning through play and we actively encourage parents to become involved in the life of our setting. 

We are open from 7.30am — 6pm Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year, excluding bank holidays and three staff training days.

The Ladybirds group is for the 6-week to 2 year olds. This room is calm and inviting, with age-appropriate toys and a dedicated outside play area.

The Caterpillars group is for 2 to 3 year olds. This group is on a steep learning curve with their language and communication and physical development.

The Butterfly group is for the 3 to 5 year olds. This group is playing and learning fast, developing and growing in their understanding. The Butterflies have the free 15-hour entitlement and are reaching their Early Learning Goals ready for school.  September 2017 will see us offering 30 hours free childcare for this age.

After-School Club: We have staff running an After-School Club for older children. Activities range from cooking to games in the sensory garden.

We offer 

• Funded childcare places available for qualifying two year olds and three and four-year-olds (15 hours entitlement).
• School holiday play schemes.
• A safe, friendly and fun place for you and your child.
• Learning through indoor and outdoor play activities.
• A well-qualified, kind and caring team.
• A dedicated person to give focused support to your child.

 

 

COVID Service Update – You are not alone 

In line with government advice, we have suspended all face-to-face services including 1:1 support sessions, peer groups, events and training.  However, the team are accepting new referrals and working hard to provide vital support for those struggling with a bereavement or the terminal-illness of someone they love, via the telephone, video call, our website and Facebook.

These are very difficult times as we all find ourselves in un-chartered waters and its during uncertain times like this that we look for reassurance and support. It’s more important than ever to make sure we look after ourselves and each other.

Our income has drastically reduced and we are therefore reliant on funding and fundraising more than ever before. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further but do consider the latest government guidelines and act accordingly.

The Children’s Bereavement Centre is committed to supporting children and young people from across the local community and although we may not be there in person at the moment, you are all in our thoughts and we remain ready to support you via other channels.

If you would like to know more about the support we are currently offering please click HERE to be redirected to our service page.  If you have any immediate specific concerns or questions, please email info@childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk or call 01636 551739 – this will go straight to voicemail but messages are being picked up daily and we will call you back as soon as possible.

Thank you – take care.

 

Sue's Place provides support for young people 3 - 18 and their families.  Support includes

Bereavement support

Play Therapy

Filial Therapy

Childrens Group Activities

Peer Support Group

Bereaved Spouses Support Group

Divorced and separated Group

Therapeutic massage

Registered Charity No: 1158908

Joel's main aim is to support families through pregnancy and parenting after baby loss.  No matter how long ago you experienced your loss, at any stage of pregnancy, during labour or after birth, we will support you.  It is important to know that you are never alone.  We aim to celebrate the family as a whole and break the taboo associated with baby loss.

Every first Saturday of each month we meet for a chat and a cuppa (with a slice of cake!), 10.00-11.30am at the Golden Ball, 3 Victoria Square, Worksop, Notts, S80 1DX

The groups are relaxed, friendly and welcoming and you are not pressured to sit and talk if you don't want to.  However, we do have a wonderful peer support network and provide access to all Joel's services.  You can find out about:

• coaching
• counselling
• hypnotherapy and 1:1 support

You can also:

• borrow beautiful books from our library
• make crafts
• meet families who share the same experiences as you

Sunshine Children (baby born before loss) and Rainbow Children (baby born after loss) are welcome to come along too, as they can play, craft and meet other children who have lost a precious sibling.

Visit our website for information and support:  http://www.joeltcp.org/

Joel can provide a rainbow information pack which signposts support, ideas for keepsakes and stories of hope.

If you could help us by donating, please TEXT joel14, plus your chosen amount of £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Find us on Twitter: @TCPJoel      Facebook: Joel TCP Rainbow Baby Support Network      Flickr: Joel the complete package

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020

 

ARC offers non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening; when they are told their baby has an anomaly; when they are making difficult decisions about continuing with or ending a pregnancy, and when they are coping with complex and painful issues after making a decision, including bereavement.

Who we are

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent and their networks who need support with perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.

PANDAS survives thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteer team and your own donations. If you are interested in fundraising for our vital support services, please contact our fundraising team kerry.thomas@pandasfoundation.org.uk or donate now.

New website coming in 2020

How we can help

• FREE helpline 0808 1961 776. Available on all landlines. Monday – Sunday 11am-10pm. Manned by a team of trained volunteers who will be happy to chat to you and direct you to the right support.
• PANDAS Email Support: info@pandasfoundation.org.uk available 365 days a year. We’ll respond within 72 hours. Please get in touch if you’d like any more information regarding perinatal mental illness or are looking for support for yourself or your partner, friend or colleague.
• PANDAS Foundation Facebook Page Our PANDAS Social Media team are online seven days a week, keeping you inspired, motivated and informed with current news and reports on perinatal mental health.
• PANDAS Dads Facebook Page Developed to support partners and carers affected by perinatal mental illness, our PANDAS Dads volunteers are on hand to offer support and information seven days a week.
• PANDAS Support Groups Our PANDAS Support Groups offer a fantastic opportunity to meet up with other parents affected by perinatal mental illness. Our team of PANDAS Support Group Leaders are on hand to provide information about local activities and services, whilst also offering support and advice. To find your local group call or email us.

Follow us

Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

Contact details

Fundraising : kerry.thomas@pandasfoundation.org.uk
PR, charity and Media Enquiries: annie.belasco@pandasfoundation.org.uk
New Group recruitment: Lauren.tonner@pandasfoundation.org.uk

We are a Limited Company registered in England and Wales with company number 7740327.
Charity number 1149485

Covid-19 update: planning for a return to face to face counselling

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At Petals we have been running 100% of our specialist counselling service online since lockdown began in March. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – we recently surveyed our current clients and 95% of respondents said they would recommend Petals online video counselling to others who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or a baby.

We are proud to have been able to keep supporting our clients to such a high standard, including many of those who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss during the outbreak.

With that in mind, as well as the recent changes to lockdown restrictions in the UK, we know that many of you will be wondering what this means for Petals’ counselling service over the coming weeks and months.

We hope to resume offering face to face counselling sessions from September within the hospital setting or our other Petals approved settings. We continue to work with our colleagues within maternity services to ensure our return will meet with the current hospital policies and procedures as restriction are lifted. We will ensure that all of our clients and our partners in the healthcare profession are updated, with firmer details as soon as we can.

CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID

Self Referrals accepted. Now based at The Crossing, Worksop aswell as Newark.

 

We can help you start living again so you can maybe even try for another baby or change the way you live and work, by freeing you of the thoughts and emotions that are holding you back.

Life After Miscarriage, Your Guide to Healing from Pregnancy Loss takes you through a transformational journey from the pain of loss to a place of acceptance and hope. You will discover how your loss impacts your relationships with your partner, family and friends. You will understand how it’s holding you back in your career, day-to-day life and overall happiness. You’ll recognise and understand your go-to coping strategies and learn how you can begin to support yourself with self-healing strategies so you can move forward and find joy again.

 

https://life-after-miscarriage.com/

COVID19 update 20th August 2020 - Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19 we have made the pre-emptive decision to temporarily reduce our service to UK hospitals. Currently, we automatically provide every UK hospital with stock every 6 months, but due to infection control measures, some hospitals are refusing donated items which we fully understand. To help reduce the pressure on frontline staff during the current situation we will instead be sending letters out to each hospital to arrange restock if needed. We are also of course still able to send out boxes to hospitals on request, direct to families and to funeral directors so our service is still available to those in need. 

For full information please visit https://www.cherishedgowns.org.uk/149-covid-19

 

Cherished Gowns UK is a registered charity (1172482),  that provide the families of babies that are stillborn, miscarried or pass away shortly after birth with items of clothing that they are able to be dressed in for their funeral. We provide UK hospitals with 5 different sizes of Cherished Gown packs that include a gown, hat, booties, blanket and a cloth nappy. We also send gown packs directly to parents who are unable to find anything to fit their precious baby on request.

All of the items we provide have been lovingly made by volunteers from all over the country, and all of the gowns we provide are made from generously donated wedding dresses. Cherished Gowns UK was set up in October 2014 and since then we have made over 100,000 gowns from around 20,000 wedding dresses, and we have also had over 1/4 of a million items sent to us by our amazing knit and crochet volunteers. We stock 237 NHS hospitals including Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales. 

Our service is provided completely free of charge to anyone that is in the sad position of needing it.

Cherished Gowns has always worked in conjunction with SANDS and a variety of Other Support Organisations . We also liaise closely with the NHS and Maternity departments all over the UK to ensure that our Cherished Gowns Packs are of the highest possible standard.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our office is currently closed for calls, but we're still here for you. Please contact the team you would like to speak to using the emails listed below or send your message to enquiries@twinstrust.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you’d like to speak to a parent of twins or more for support, reassurance or guidance, or simply just to talk to someone, please give Twinline a call on 0800 138 0509. This free, confidential service is offered between 10am and 1pm and again at 7pm until 10pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, you can email Twinline on Twinline@twinstrust.org

Email: enquiries@twinstrust.org

Support Services: support-team@twinstrust.org

Membership: membership@twinstrust.org

Press office: pressoffice@twinstrust.org

Fundraising: fundraising@twinstrust.org

Maternity Engagement: maternityengagement@twinstrust.org

 

Bereavement

The Tamba Bereavement Support Group (BSG) exists to support all parents and carers of multiples who have experienced loss whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or at any point afterwards. We are so sorry for your loss and hope that by making contact with the BSG you will find some comfort.

The group was established in 1982 in response to requests from parents who had lost a twin.  Dr Elizabeth Bryan, a founder member of the Twins and Multiples Births Association (TAMBA), recognised the special needs of such families and started it off by producing the first leaflet of its kind on this subject. As more people contacted the group it became clear that families faced with the loss of both twins had yet another set of problems, as did parents who had suffered a cot death. 

Tamba BSG offers parent to parent support via our befriending service and via our facebook bereavement support group

If you would like a hardcopy of the booklet, or like to have further support from the group, please email the Support Services team.

Tamba now have a separate electronic booklet for parents who have suffered a loss from TTTS, if you would like a copy of this booklet please send us an email.

For all our new followers, here is some information about us.........

Sophia Pregnancy Loss Support aims to support anybody who has experienced the tragic loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, TFMR, stillbirth and neonatal death.

The charity is run by a group of bereaved parents. We aim to raise awareness of pregnancy loss as well as supporting those affected.

We offer a support group that meet on the first Tuesday of every month at coombe house on the George Eliot hospital site in nuneaton. We also offer online support via a closed Facebook group and a dad’s Facebook group.

We know how difficult it can be to experience the death of a baby at any gestation. Currently, those babies delivered after 24 weeks receive a birth and/or death certificate. We are trying to bring a little bit of comfort to those who did not receive anything, and so we have designed a 'Recognition of Life' certificate.

We send these out free of charge to those who have been devastated by the loss of a baby.

Our charity also provides memory boxes to anybody who has experienced the loss of a baby at any gestation. They include our brochure, information about local support groups or charities we believe provide wonderful services at such difficult times, seeds to plant, a candle, a small charm, a poem and a certificate to recognise your baby's existence.

In addition to this we also provide angelversary cards. These can be sent on a date of your choice each year and show we are thinking of you and remember your baby.

Please also visit our facebook page if you need online support: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaPLS/

Support group for people living in the Nuneaton region.

Initially created to provide bespoke clothing to tiny babies who had died, Little Things became & Co and has now expanded its services to include support group meetings, a dedicated memorial garden within Derriford hospital, literature and any additional support to relieve the mental suffering of those suffering from bereavement or loss as the charity sees fit.

 

COVID19 UPDATE - 16th July 2020 - no face to face visits are currently taking place.

When a baby dies bereaved parents can feel very isolated. They don’t usually know anyone else who has had a similar experience. Support from family and friends can sometimes fall away soon after a baby has died.

4Louis offer support to families through the following ways  

Memory Boxes - 4Louis Memory Boxes are a place for parents and families to create and keep memories of their baby or child and are gifted free of charge. 

Personal Support - We are not qualified Counsellors, but what we do have is compassion, empathy and experience and are available to chat either over the phone, email, or face to face.

Coronavirus Statement: Please note that RMB’s remembrance photography service has been suspended until further notice. Therefore, whilst we are unable to visit families for the duration of the restrictions in place during the Coronavirus outbreak, our team of Digital Retouchers are available to edit a small number of digital images from families and healthcare professionals.

‘Remember My Baby’ (RMB) is a UK based registered charity which offers a gift of baby remembrance photography to all UK parents experiencing the loss of their baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Mission.

Our goal is to offer a service of baby remembrance photography to all parents suffering the loss of their baby in every hospital and birth centre across the UK.

Description.

Remember My Baby is a UK  registered charity whose professional volunteer photographers visit families who may be experiencing the loss of their baby before, during or shortly after birth.

When a family loses a lifetime’s potential for capturing milestones as their child grows, we will capture a precious baby with parents, siblings and extended family for free. Each family will receive a ‘free gift’ of high resolution digital images with a copyright licence to print for their own personal, non commercial use.

We are recruiting professional photographers and NHS Trusts now. If you are a skilled or professional photographer who is interested in applying to volunteer for us, please click here to find out more information about becoming a Remember My Baby volunteer Photographer.

Alternatively, if you are an NHS Trust and you would like to know more about our service and  how to introduce the service into your maternity hospital or birth centre please email us via info@remembermybaby.org.uk.

Thank you.

Our Aim

The Lexi Dolls are donated to hospitals to comfort grieving children in the loss of a sibling or relatives baby. Lexi assists the grieving parents in explaining the tragedy to a bereaved child, providing a physical presence to hold, cuddle, treasure in memory of the lost baby.

 

https://www.facebook.com/The-Lexi-Doll-Charity-180661699046023/

COVID-19 and Maternity Voices Partnerships role

During the coronavirus pandemic Maternity Voices Partnerships have shifted their focus to support maternity services in:

1. decision making around temporary service reconfiguration, and
2. communicating those changes to women, birthing people and their families.

It is vital that adequate funding is available for MVPs for the work they are doing to support Trusts and women locally with their queries and concerns.

Co-production of NHS resources on coronavirus

Over recent weeks many Maternity Voices Partnership chairs and service user representatives have been helping NHS England and Improvement to co-produce information leaflets and this video animation: https://youtu.be/B-ymea8LQtU

 

Associated maternity units: Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital

Find us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DBTHMV/

A working group comprised of families, commisioners and healthxcare providers, working together to review and contribute to the development of local maternity care.

The groups meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at various locations, primarily at The Hub, The Golden Ball , Victoria Square, Worksop Nottinghamshire.

Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact The Chair Emma Pearson on the telephone number below

Check out the Local Page on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/DBTHMV/

 

IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF BASSETLAW RESIDENTS THROUGH SUPPORTED
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION INTO LOCAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

The Community Advisor is a specialist with a wealth of knowledge and experience about services across Bassetlaw, helping individuals to access non-medical support services from voluntary organisations and community groups.  

Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a Bassetlaw GP can access this service.
You can ask at your GP Reception when the Community Advisor will be visiting your local surgery or contact us directly here at BCVS.
The Community Advisor will discuss with the individual how one of the many voluntary or community services may help them improve their health and wellbeing alongside any existing medical treatment.

 

The Community Advisor can help you to:

•  Identify groups which may offer additional support to help you understand and manage your medical condition
• Access community social groups by giving you a named contact and specific group information 
• Access benefits, debt and welfare advice
• Address loneliness and isolation issues by encouraging participation with local activity group
• Access information and advice on a wide range of services for the whole family

 

Your Community Advisor will be able to identify suitable support options and they will afford the time to find contact details of the leaders of groups and services to make the access as smooth as possible.

There are several ways to make contact with the Community Advisor:

You can ring the Community Advisor direct for telephone advice. Available Monday to Friday on 01909 476118 Ext 24.

 

 

I would describe being a same sex couple experiencing baby loss as being in a small pond, within a small pond. Whilst neither pond is actually that small once you start swimming around in it – you have to search far and wide to find others likes yourself.

Visit the Legacy of Leo website for more information and blogs 

Lots more information on the website.

It’s currently estimated that around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Whilst that figure may seem distressingly high, it actually only takes into account the losses which are reported. Many women, who miscarry early into their pregnancy, will do so at home, alone, and often with limited medical guidance or follow up appointments.

 

Cradle is run by a team of national early pregnancy loss ambassadors, who have all suffered their own losses, and now work to support others by partnering with their chosen NHS Gynae Wards, EPAUs (Early Pregnancy Assessment Units), A&E, and any other department responsible for the care of parents experiencing early loss.

Cradle is there to help, and regularly run support groups, contribute to NHS training days, as well as working with other charities in the baby loss community. 

If anyone has, tragically, suffered from pregnancy loss and is looking for support, please do reach out to Cradle. You can find Cradle’s Facebook peer support group at facebook.com/cradleEPL follow them on Twitter @cradle_EPL and Instagram too instagram.com/cradle_epl

Whilst losing a baby early on can feel overwhelming, confusing and is a traumatic experience, please remember you are not alone, and support is available.

Also on Twitter and Facebook.

 

This directory is maintained and operated by Nottinghamshire County Council.

If you need help using this directory or would like to contact us for more information, please get in touch with one of our friendly advisors using the details below:

Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

CSC minicom: 01623 434993

Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm.

 

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If your query is specifically around SEND, please email local.offer@nottscc.gov.uk.

If your query is specifically for Supported Self Care, please call 0300 303 2600 or email selfcarehub@selfhelp.org.uk.