As the current DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES approved service provider to bereaved families in Victoria.

With TELEPHONE SUPPORT available 24 hours 7 days a week from TRAINED VOLUNTEER PARENT SUPPORTERS who have themselves experienced the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death.

Holding monthly SUPPORT MEETINGS in various locations across Victoria including an OLDER LOSS group for those whose loss was some time ago. A LIBRARY of tapes, videos and books is available at each meeting. Meetings are facilitated by TRAINED VOLUNTEER PARENT SUPPORTERS who have experienced the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death.

With PUBLICATIONS by SANDS (Vic) including the book Your baby has died… addressing important issues for parents after a baby has died.

NAMEGIVING CERTIFICATE available for parents to complete with their baby's name, their names and date of birth. It was originally designed for pre 20 week losses, as birth certificates are not issued for these babies, but is available for all parents who would like one.

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SANDS LEAFLETS
SANDS provides a series of 6 information leaflets for hospitals, doctors, health professionals, funeral directors and other organisations. Bereaved parents may receive free copies upon contacting the SANDS office.

SANDS (Vic) – This brochure explains what SANDS (Vic) is about and what we offer bereaved parents.

Early Pregnancy Loss discusses feelings, creating memories and other information for parents who have experienced a miscarriage.

Facing Subsequent Pregnancy has information about some of the questions parents have about another pregnancy following the loss of a baby.

Father’s Grief looks at men and grieving, and the different ways men express grief.

Making Decisions gives information about some issues that need to be considered after the death of a baby.

It’s Never Too Late has information for parents whose baby died many years ago.

Full details in SANDS Catalogue section.

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SANDS (Vic) also produce a bi-monthly NEWSLETTER providing a source of communication and expression for parents and advertises relevant events and information.

Assisting in RESEARCH PROJECTS to find the causes of prematurity and death of longed for babies and is a part of the SANDS AUSTRALIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION.

Holding PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS on subjects relevant to the death of a baby.

Providing PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SESSIONS to health professionals on caring for bereaved families.

Providing hand-made LAYETTES and QUILTS for tiny babies available free of charge from the SANDS (Vic) office.

Holding an ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE for parents, families and friends in memory of all babies miscarried, stillborn or has died shortly after birth.

Erecting MEMORIALS and conducting DEDICATION SERVICES at communal grave sites for babies, providing a special place for their families to remember them.

Providing ONGOING TRAINING AND SUPPORT for the SANDS(Vic) network of volunteers.

As a part of the BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT NETWORK. A committee of major children’s charities working together to provide the best support and service possible to families.