SANDS Lothians (previously Edinburgh SANDS), Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, has been a registered Scottish Charity since 1996. SANDS existed in Edinburgh in the eighties on a very much smaller and informal scale. The organisation has grown rapidly over the last 15 years as the needs of families who experience the death of a baby have been recognised and acknowledged. The SANDS Lothians office, currently based in Craiglockhart, is the base for the services that are offered to families in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We supply vital information and support packs to hospitals for all families whose baby dies. We offer telephone and appointment based befriending and regular meetings. We offer support during a subsequent pregnancy which can be a very anxious time. We help parents whose loss was many years ago to trace the grave of their baby and obtain certificates and any information that may be available. We have a counselling services for those who need further help to learn to live with the death of their baby. We are also involved in the teaching and education of those who will care for a bereaved family either in hospital or in the community. We constantly strive to raise funds to continue these services.

Our Vision-

To provide support, counselling and advice to families who have experienced the death of a baby.

Programmes and Activities-

We strive to organise as many events as possible to raise funds for our charity. Our main event is a Charity Dinner which is held in March each year. We also recruit as many people as possible to run in the Edinburgh Marathon or take part in the Great Scottish Walk each year.