BEREAVED parents at a Monmouthshire support group are appealing those affected by the death of a baby to volunteer and support more parents in need.

Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, are calling for more ‘befrienders’ to offer support and in person at group meetings. New volunteers will be asked to attend befriender training, and a minimum of two years must have passed since their baby died.

Karen Savage-Grove, a bereaved mother from Raglan, and founder of Monmouthshire Sands, said: “Our monthly meetings offer support and a safe place for parents to talk about their babies.”

Sands’ groups across the UK are run on a voluntary basis.

Dr Clea Harmer, chief executive at Sands, said: “We hope the Monmouthshire group will go from strength to strength in helping and supporting bereaved parents and their families at a devastating time for them.”

“We are dedicated to providing emotional support and information right from the early hours after a baby’s death, through to the weeks, months and years ahead.”

For further information on volunteering and befriending call Heatherjane Coombs on 07709 602635 or email heatherjane.coombs@sands.org.uk

Parents are invited to drop in to a future group meeting, which take place every second Wednesday of the month from 8pm-9.30pm at Bridges Community Centre, Wonastow Road, Monmouth.

For further details email: monmouthshiresands@gmail.com.