Bolton Sands

05/05/2026

Bereaved parents often tell us that while compassionate care cannot take away the pain of pregnancy or baby loss, it can make a meaningful difference during an incredibly devastating time.

Sands now offers free e‑learning for all NHS staff, designed to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed when caring for bereaved parents.

In just three weeks since it launched, we are delighted that more than 500 Sands training modules have already been completed!

The training is accessible anytime, anywhere via the NHS Learning Hub.

➡️ Find out more in the comments below.

05/05/2026

Thinking of all our mums on Bereaved Mother’s Day. Our support meeting is today at 7.30-9pm, The Hub in Westhoughton. All welcome. Xx

05/05/2026

Thinking of everyone affected by TMFR and baby loss. Xx

It’s TFMR Awareness Day and we want to acknowledge that many parents across the Sands community and beyond who are faced with difficult conversations and agonising decisions around Termination for Medical Reasons. We want you to know that we are here for you 💜🧡​

TFMR can be a frightening and isolating experience. We want to encourage conversations about TFMR so that no parent feels alone.

We know that your baby was loved and wanted, and we are here if you need support 💜🧡​

Find out about our dedicated TFMR support. Link in the comments below 👇

29/04/2026

Our may support group meeting will take place on Tuesday 5th May. 7.30-9pm at The Hub, Central Avenue, Westhoughton.

Please let us know if you would like to join us and it is a your first time, especially if you need any help taking the steps into your first meeting.

We are here to support parents through their journey of baby loss.

05/04/2026

Our next face to face meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th April 26. At the hub, central avenue, westhoughton. 7.30-9pm

Please let us know if you want to join us and it is your first time, and you would like a befriender to take you into the room, as we know that your first time can feel daunting.

05/04/2026

Thinking of you this Easter 💜🧡 We know that family occasions like Easter can be difficult if you have experienced pregnancy or baby loss.

It is ok to have mixed emotions at times like these, so make sure to spend the day in a way that is right for you 💜🧡

Our Helpline is closed on Easter Sunday and on bank holiday Monday. The Helpline will return to normal hours on Tuesday.

Tue - Fri from 10am - 3pm
Tue, Wed, Thu from 6pm- 9pm

25/03/2026

Say their name launches today. You can participate in any way you feel comfortable. Can be a simply writing a dedication. This is also a valuable opportunity to donate to Sands.

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all our lovely ladies. Please be kind to yourself and remember we’re here for you should you need support. Love from Anne-Marie and Tracy ###

14/03/2026

13/03/2026

Thank you to Swindon and Devizes Sands for some great ideas to help you through Mother’s Day, which can be difficult day for us all but can also be a time to remember our babies x

If you are a bereaved parent, here are some ideas on self-care around Mother's Day

Mother's Day can be difficult if your baby has died, whenever this happened. It may be that last year was spent in expectant joy during your pregnancy, or that you imagined you would hold them this Mother's Day and celebrate with friends and family.

You may be surrounded by others who celebrate with their children or wonder whether you are thought of as a mother by people around you. You may have other children who want to celebrate with you.

At Sands we understand that you are still a mum, and we are here for you.

Here are some suggestions that may help you to cope:

1. Take it one day (or even hour) at a time. The anticipation of a big day can worry you, but you may find that small things, having structure, and not expecting too much of yourself can get you through the day itself.

2. Do something to help you feel connected to your baby. You are still a mother and your bond with your child, whether they are here or not, is something to cherish. You may want to talk about your baby or babies and say their name(s).

3. Think of someone you can call if you feel sad in advance of the day and ask them to be available for you.

4. Connect safely with nature by going for a walk or just going outside. Many parents feel a sense of peace or closeness to their baby when among wildlife and plants, which are starting to blossom and can be comforting to be around.

5. Write down how you feel and make this a part of your memory box or baby keepsakes. Gift yourself the Sands Wellbeing Journal to express your feelings and write notes to your baby throughout the year.

6. Read or listen to poems or music. Some people find poetry, songs or other pieces of writing helpful in processing and coping with their grief.

7. Seek out support. Reach out to your local Sands group or the Sands hotline; we are bereaved parents who can empathise with how you're feeling and how Mother's Day can be difficult 💜🧡

13/03/2026

Thinking of all our mums this Mother’s Day. Please remember to be kind to yourselves and we are here to support you should you need it. Xx

We are here for you this Mother’s Day 💜🧡

We understand that you may find this week difficult in the lead up to Mother’s Day. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to listen.

Our helpline is open if you need to talk and will be available from 10am – 12 noon on Mother’s Day.

Link to support in the comments below 👇