Here in N. Ireland, 4 babies a week are stillborn or die in the first 4 weeks of life.
Currently there are three support groups meeting in N. Ireland. Anyone is free to come along to a meeting. You can ring the Helpine for further details first, or just drop in. All meetings are run on a very informal basis by Sands befrienders and everyone is very welcome. It is up to each person how they want to use the groups. Some people come every month and others come only once. There is no pressure to attend if you don't want to or don't think it is the right thing for you. There is also no pressure to talk and tell your story if you don't want to. Many people find it beneficial just to sit and listen, others want to share their story. The choice is yours.
All groups serve tea/coffee and biscuits.
It is hoped that in the near future there will be a new group starting in the Antrim area. Please contact the N.Ireland Helpline for up-to-date information and to express an interest in this group.
The Belfast Group currently meets at 8.00pm on the first Wednesday of every month at the Mount Oriel Centre, Saintfield Road, Belfast. Entrance is at the rear of the building (next to the car park) through the glass doors.
The Sands befrienders at the Belfast group are Janet Whitelaw-Jones, Colin and Cathy Pidgeon, Sophia Cross.
Dates for 2008 are February 6th, March 5th, April 2nd, May 7th, June 4th, July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd, October 1st, November 5th, December 3rd.
Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30 pm in Tempo Road Day Centre, Tempo Road, Enniskillen.
Befriender at the group is Catherine Lennon.
Dates for 2009: 14th Jan, 11th Feb, 11th Mar, 8th Apr, 13th May, 10th June, 8th Jul, 12th Aug, 9th Sep, 14th Oct, 11th Nov and 9th Dec
Newry Sands support has moved to Portadown and meets on the last Tuesday of each month. It is hoped that Newry Sands will return to Newry as soon as possible .
The North West group meets the first Tuesday of every month (except January) at 7.30pm in the Education Room, Foyle Hospice, Culmore Road, Derry/Londonderry.
The Sands befriender at this group are Catherine Lennon, Caroline Maguire and Aureli Oslé.
Dates for 2009: 6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar, 7th Apr, 5th May, 2nd June, 7th Jul, 4th Aug, 1st Sept, 6th Oct, 3rd Nov and 1st Dec.
The Portadown Group meets at 8.00pm on the last Tuesday of every month at The Eden Social Education Centre, Bridge Street, Portadown (beside Portadown Rugby Club).
The Sands Befrienders at the group are Steven and Jacqui Guy, Kerri Kerr and Nicola Hoey.
Dates for 2008 are February 26th, March 25th, April 29th, May 27th, June 24th, July 29th, August 26th, September 30th, October 28th, November 25th.