Befrienders

As befrienders, we can talk with you over the phone (07864 709228) or arrange to meet face to face to provide support.

We understand how devastating the death of a baby is, whether it’s before, during or shortly after birth, as we have experienced it too.

We had to meet 4 requirements in order to become befrienders.

1. One year had to have elapsed since our own baby’s death
2. We had to be an individual paid member of Sands.
3. We needed to be linked with our nearest group, in this case, Dumfries and Galloway Sands
4. We each had to attend and successfully complete the Sands Befriender Training Programme.

Initial befriender training from Sands is a two day course. Over this time the course facilitators decided that we were emotionally ready to support others and were well supported ourselves. We also had the chance to decide for ourselves that we were ready for this responsibility. During the course, we had to work in pairs, small groups and as a whole larger group to develop good listening and befriending skills. The course attracted people from all over Scotland. We all met with the hope that we could support others who had been through the same awful experience as ourselves. It was an emotionally draining but worthwhile two days.   Alison has gone on to do the advanced befriender training. This involved experienced befrienders getting together to review and enhance their befriending skills.   Please feel free to contact us at any time if you or anyone you know is in need of support and understanding.

Kenny Carruthers

My name is Kenny Carruthers and in December 2013 our daughter, Bethany was stillborn. It was a devastating period of our lives. The following days, weeks and months were very difficult …

Ashely Kerr

Hi, my name is Ashley and I have only recently completed my Befriender training.

On 22nd May 2016 my husband and I welcomed into …