Category Archives: SEL Sands News

Moving Support Online

SEL Sands News

While we are unable to hold support meetings in person during periods of social distancing, SEL Sands is continuing to support those living in South East London via virtual support groups.

Dates for the monthly support groups and the PALS groups are now shown in the event listings to the right of our site (or at the bottom, in mobile view). If you would like to attend a virtual meeting, please email to confirm your place.

We understand this is a difficult and anxious time for you and your families, and we will continue to offer support through e-mail: support.southeastlondon@sands.org.uk

You can also contact the Sands helpline on 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk. For other methods of support, including the Online Community and Bereavement Support App, visit sands.org.uk/support.

Sands UK have collated further guidance specifically to answer questions arising from the current situation, which is available here.

If you are worried about symptoms please check https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you are pregnant you can find advice here: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

New Baby Memorial Garden at Camberwell New Cemetery

Events, SEL Sands News

You are warmly invited to attend the opening of the new baby memorial garden at Camberwell New Cemetery

We are excited to announce that on Sunday 30th June at 2pm, South East London Sands have been invited to the official opening of the new baby memorial garden at Camberwell New Cemetery. Through the generosity of our many supporters, old and new, we have been able to donate a beautiful centrepiece for the garden which we are excited to unveil on the day. 

In lieu of the annual butterfly release, we will also be holding a small remembrance event. Everyone is welcome to join us in remembering and celebrating our babies in the beautiful new surroundings at Camberwell New Cemetery. Please let us know by e-mail if you plan to attend so that we can ensure we have enough supplies for everyone. If you would like to be involved in the event by sharing a reading, please let us know. 

Following our event in the baby garden, you are welcome to join the Remembrance Service and Open Day which will take place from 3pm in the neighbouring Crematorium. More information about the cemetery can be found here: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/parks/camberwell-new-cemetery

A Google Map of the cemetery location can be found here. We recommend using the entrance on Brockley Way, which is closest to the new garden.

London-based football team for bereaved Dads

SEL Sands News

Following the success of Sands Utd (a bereaved mens football team based in Northamptonshire), Sands have been looking to support other teams across the country.

With the help of Sands, Johan is looking to set up a London team to meet up and play regular football but more importantly provide support for each other over a common interest.

If you are keen in getting involved or know anyone this might benefit, please get in touch with me directly at johan_uk@yahoo.com.

Events News!

Events, SEL Sands News

Following a successful first event, we are delighted to confirm the dates for further upcoming Sunday strolls in Greenwich Park. These will be held on 21st October and 18th November, 10:15am to 12noon (meet at the Pavillion Cafe from 10am). A big thank you to everyone who helped to make the first event possible.

Additionally we would like to share a reminder of two upcoming events in the SEL Sands calendar. These will only take place if there are sufficient numbers interested, so please get in touch if you you would like to join us for either:

The first event will be a candlelit supper club on Saturday 13th October at 8pm. We will be having a feast of Spanish food thanks to the lovely team at Home & Kids café in Blackheath, and it will be an opportunity to remember and celebrate our babies and light candles in their memory. There are 20 places available and we will allocate them on a first come, first served basis. The event will be free to attend, but we are asking for a fully refundable £10 deposit in order to secure your place. Please deposit via paypal by Friday 5th October and we will send e-mail confirmation of your place once we have received your deposit. If you would like any further information, please contact us by e-mail.

The second event will be a boat release down the River Quaggy in Manor Park at 4pm on Sunday 14th October. We have been lucky enough to team up with James at Forries Education who helped to co-ordinate the boat release in memory of Jo Cox MP. He will be helping families to create small boats out of rice paper and other materials from the park. We will then release these boats down the river as an act of remembrance. All are welcome and all materials and equipment will be provided, though you are advised to wear wellies. Please register your interest by e-mail so that we know how many people to plan for.

Thank you, and we hope to see you there!

The SEL Sands Newsletter

SEL Sands News

We’ve begun to publish a newsletter, containing articles related to recent fundraising efforts, upcoming events and details of what else SEL Sands is doing with its funds.

The first issue was released on 5th December 2016, and if you didn’t receive a copy you can sign up to get them in the future – just visit our Mailing List page.

Users of Hotmail and Gmail may find that our emails are automatically placed into a ‘Promotions’ folder or similar.

A copy of the first issue is attached here, and we would welcome any feedback you may have.

Click here to view our newsletter

Urgent Call For Volunteers

SEL Sands News

After leading South East London Sands for more than 15 years, Julia and Tracey now feel it is time for them to step down. We are immensely grateful to them for the time and energy they have devoted to supporting bereaved families in south east London.

To continue providing this support, we now need more volunteers to train as befrienders, who will lead and facilitate the monthly support group meetings on a rota basis.

Sands will provide training, and Julia and Tracey have committed to support and mentor new befrienders during a transitionary period in early 2016. Meanwhile, a steering group is planning the future direction of SEL Sands.

If you are interested in supporting bereaved families by becoming a befriender, please contact us for further details by Saturday 14 November. Please do consider taking on this valuable role, as the monthly support group may have to be withdrawn unless enough volunteers come forward.