Moving Support Online

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/

The Caspian Cup 2019

On Sunday 25th August, the fifth annual Caspian Cup Football Tournament will be held in Blackheath to recognise the birthday of Caspian, son of two of our members Ashleigh & Jerron who have organised the event. We would like to encourage as many to attend as possible.

The event will take place throughout the day, beginning at 11am and running through late afternoon, and will feature a series of family fun activities alongside a football tournament at Long Lane Football Club. There will be a clubhouse with a bar, barbecue, raffle and a bouncy castle.

Please join us on the day, spread the word, and help to raise money for Sands along with the Evelina Children’s Hospital..

Venue details are as follows:
Long Lane Football Club, Kidbrooke Playing Fields/Dursley Rd, London SE3 8PB

New Baby Memorial Garden at Camberwell New Cemetery

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

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!

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!

Butterfly Release 2018

Our annual butterfly release event will take place on Sunday, 10th June, once again in Greenwich Park.

From 11am, please join us in the Rose Garden to meet with others and perhaps bring a picnic. Children are welcome, too, and there will be a release of butterflies to remember our babies. Donation towards Sands can be made in buckets available at the event.

We are expecting a particularly large turnout this year. If you are planning to join us and have not already advised, please do get in touch so that we can account for expected numbers on the day.

Finding The Words

Baby death is still a taboo subject, but together we can break the wall of silence.

June is Sands Awareness Month – please join us in #FindingTheWords to support anyone who has experienced #babyloss and share the new @SandsUK film at www.sands.org.uk/findingthewords.

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