Recently a representative of SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, gave a truly impressive talk about the charity’s wonderful work. Its vision for the future is a world where fewer babies die and anyone affected by the loss of a baby receives the best possible care and support as long as it is needed whether it is some years after a loss or early on in a pregnancy. The charity works in partnership with health professionals, trusts and health boards to offer a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best care wherever they are in the UK. Within the UK there is a helpline, the SANDS online community, a private support page on Facebook and various other online support meetings and in addition within Scotland groups share experience and best practice. The charity also supports and promotes research to better understand the causes of baby deaths, to improve maternity safety and to save babies lives.
The local group is very proud of its involvement in part of the planning and design at the city’s new Baird Family Hospital which will provide 2 ensuite rooms with verandas, a multipurpose room and family area, tucked away and soundproof, for the comfort and care of bereaved families. This collaborative effort led to the SANDS group winning a ‘Celebrate Aberdeen’ award in 2019.
A wreath was recently laid to mark the tenth anniversary of the baby garden at Hazlehead Cemetery. The inscription on the beautiful memorial stone reads, ‘ To the world a baby, to us the world’.
Working with partners Aberdeen City Council, Gerbera Designs and MISS which supports families following miscarriage, a Forget me Not Memorial garden at Hazlehead Crematorium has been established, and club members have taken great pleasure in helping to set it up. Notes on special wildflower seeded paper can be ‘posted’ in their ‘Beehive’ post box and will then be planted in the borders.
The garden will be officially opened on Saturday 24th August by Lord Provost Dr David Cameron.
This serene garden can be a place for individuals and families to find solace and healing, while surrounded by the beauty of nature and the garden’s meaningful design features.
http://www.miss-support.org.uk