Telephone Support

You may want to talk to someone who can listen to how you feel or can help you think through what you want to do. All Forth Valley Sands Befrienders are bereaved parents and man the phones on a rota basis. You can contact our Befrienders by phone or by text on the following numbers -

If we are unable to answer your call, please leave your name and number and we'll call you back.

We understand it may be difficult to pick up the phone to call us. If you prefer, you can e-mail us on support@forthvalleysands.org.uk 

Group Support Meetings

Forth Valley Sands meetings will give you a chance to meet others who have experienced a similar loss. They are a place where you can just be yourself, feel how you want to feel and say what you want to say, without expectations or fear of being judged. We have all felt angry, lonely, let down at times, and desperately sad.  Forth Valley Sands members have often spoken of the utter relief to finally be with people who 'just understand'.

Meetings are very informal and provide a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere. There is no pressure to talk about your experience or your baby. You do not have to stand up and introduce yourself. In fact, you don't have to talk at all if you don't want to. We understand that it can be difficult to talk to other bereaved parents for the first time. We have all been in the same position and know how hard it can be to take these steps. We will try to support you in whatever way you find helpful.

We meet from 7.30pm - 9.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month (see dates below) in Conference Room 5 at Stirling Royal Infirmary.   

Usually the meeting location is signposted with Forth Valley Sands signs from just inside the entrance door, but occasionally these are missing, so full directions are below.

Directions to Room 5 - turn left when you come in the entrance and follow the corridor past the shop to a T junction. Turn right and follow the corridor past the Chapel to another T junction. Turn left and continue along the corridor until you see an emergency exit sign pointing down a corridor on your left. Room 5 is halfway down that corridor.  

If you prefer, a Befriender could meet you at the hospital entrance.

A copy of our support leaflet with phone numbers and meeting dates is available to download here. (MS word document)

One to One Support

Alternatively, you may want to talk to a Befriender in person on an individual basis, or together with your partner, rather than in the group session. This can be arranged either at your home or at another suitable location. This would normally happen after an initial phone call with one of the Befrienders.

Tracing a Baby's Grave

Many years ago, hospitals did not encourage parents to see their baby, let alone bury their baby. We can offer help and support to trace your baby's burial place using hospital, crematoria and local council records. Please email us on support@forthvalleysands.org.uk for more information.