Mission Statement
SANDS (Qld) Inc. provides mutual support, information, education and advocacy for parents and their families who experience the death of their baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and other reproductive losses.
Support Services
SANDS (Qld) Inc. provides a range of services to parents, families, health care professionals and workers in allied industries.
Phone Support
SANDS parent supporters are bereaved parents who have experienced the death of their baby and have had support training. If you are having a bad day, or just want to chat to someone who has been there, please give them a call on 13 000 72637 (13000SANDS). The parent supporters are on call 24 hours a day/7 days a week; however they are volunteers so if you reach an answering machine, please leave a message so they can get back to you as soon as they are able. If you need to talk with someone urgently, please ring the SANDS office on (07) 3254 3422.
Group Support Meetings
Parents often find comfort when talking with other bereaved parents. Sharing experiences can help to alleviate the feelings of isolation that are often felt. It can also help to explore what is "normal" in this abnormal situation. Support groups take place in many areas of Queensland. A full list of support meetings can be found here.
Email Support
Sometimes it can be easier to communicate by email than by phone. When you email the SANDS office, a parent supporter will return your email and offer support. Please email admin@sandsqld.com
Regional Support
Where possible, regional contacts are bereaved parents. If not, they are professionals who may be able to put you in contact with a bereaved parent in your area. Remember that you can call the 13 000 72637 (13000SANDS) support line to speak with a parent supporter at any time, no matter where you live in Queensland or northern New South Wales.
Booklets and Pamphlets
A comprehensive range of booklets and pamphlets relating to the grief and loss associated with the death of a baby are available from the office. These are free to parents and a small charge is payable to health care professionals. A list of available Booklets and Pamphlets can be found here.
Library
The SANDS library is available to members. It contains a range of books, DVDs & videos that cover topics relevant to bereaved parents. A library catalogue can be downloaded here. The books are available by dropping into the office or they can be mailed out. We would appreciate a donation of stamps if a book is mailed to you.
Online
SANDS Qld also has a facebook page where you can get the latest news and information.
Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter provides information and support to parents. Many find it especially helpful to read about the experiences of other bereaved parents and to know they are not alone. Three complimentary issues of the newsletter are available for all new parents who contact SANDS. More details can be found here. The newsletter is produced by volunteer parents at our New Farm office, if you would like to help with this please call us on (07)32543422.