Sands

SUPPORT NETWORK

SANDS is the current Department of Human Services approved service provider for bereaved families in Victoria, for perinatal loss.

Our support is specialised in the area of miscarriage, stillbirth and the neonatal period, in other words, from conception to 28 days post birth.

Our Older Loss Group is for families whose loss was many years ago. This group was formed from the needs of parents who did not see or hold their baby, and many of whom did not know where their babies were buried. The Older Loss group, in most instances, have no photos, birth certificates or any other tangible memories of their babies.

Support is provided by trained parent supporters who themselves have experienced the death of a baby. Initial contact is via telephone support, and parents are able to talk with a supporter and share their thoughts and feelings, knowing that the supporter has also had a baby that has died. Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (03) 9899 0218.

SANDS also have monthly group support meetings in several metropolitan Melbourne locations, and in some country areas. The facilitators are parent supporters who have attended a second level of training. The meetings are a place to be amongst other parents who are at varying stages in their grief, and to share your experience with others. A place to know you are not alone.

SANDS is recommended by a majority of maternity hospitals throughout Victoria and Tasmania. The hospitals have adopted the SANDS model of care for bereaved parents.

Organisational Structure for Parent Supporters

Committee of Management

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Support Network Co-Ordinator

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Group Co-Ordinator

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Parent Supporter