At Leeds Living, we’re always keen to highlight the individuals and organisations making a real difference in our communities.
That’s why we were so pleased to speak with volunteers from Leeds Sands, a compassionate, volunteer-led group supporting families through pregnancy loss, and the death of a baby.
Part of the national charity Sands, Leeds Sands offers a vital, safe space for those navigating grief across West Yorkshire. Their work is rooted in lived experience, empathy, and a shared mission: to ensure that no one has to face baby loss alone.
One of the key reasons we wanted to shine a light on their work is that Leeds Sands is currently actively recruiting Befrienders. Volunteers who provide peer support to others experiencing pregnancy or baby loss. It’s a powerful way to make a difference, and an opportunity for those with lived experience to support others in their darkest moments.
We spoke to the team to learn more about what they do, why their work matters, and how you can get involved.
Interview with Leeds Sands
Before we begin, we understand you are currently recruiting Befrienders. can you tell us more?
Yes, we are actively looking for new Befrienders to join Leeds Sands. Befrienders play a really important role in offering peer support to those going through pregnancy or baby loss.
If you feel able to offer your time, empathy, and understanding to others, we would really encourage you to get in touch with us directly to find out more about how to get involved. It can be an incredibly meaningful way to support others within the community.
Can you tell us what Sands is for those who don’t know?
Sands is a national charity that exists to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. That includes parents, siblings, grandparents, healthcare professionals and friends.
The charity is here so that people don’t have to go through such a difficult time alone—we offer support every step of the way. Sands supports all types of pregnancy and baby loss, and also provides specific support for men, those who were bereaved long ago, and those affected by termination for medical reasons (TMFR).
Leeds Sands is part of the wider charity, supporting families across Leeds and surrounding areas such as Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract.
What do you do within Leeds Sands?
Leeds Sands is a volunteer-led group made up of bereaved parents, so everything we do comes from a place of understanding and lived experience.
We aim to provide a safe, welcoming space for families going through pregnancy or baby loss. We offer monthly support groups, both face-to-face and online, as well as crafting sessions and walk-and-talk meetups.
We also take part in national events throughout the year, including Baby Loss Awareness Week and the Sands Starlight Walk.
Our meetups are really important; they provide a dedicated time and space for people to come together, talk openly if they wish and feel less alone.
Why do you think it’s important for people to know about Sands?
Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during, or soon after birth, and at least 1 in 6 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. That means thousands of families are affected every year.
It’s so important that people know support is available. Having a space to share experiences, feel understood and connect with others who truly get it can make a huge difference. Sands exists to provide that support and community.
Are you just Leeds-based, or can people access support elsewhere?
While Leeds Sands focuses on the local community, Sands offers a range of national support services. These include a free helpline, email support, online chat and a wide range of resources.
There are also local support groups and online communities, which can be especially helpful for those with direct personal experience of pregnancy or baby loss.
Where and when are your Leeds meetings usually held?
We host monthly meetups on the third Monday of each month, from 7:30 to 9:30pm. The venue and format can vary, so we always share the latest details on our website and social media channels.
Our next meetup will take place on Monday 20th April at Quaker House in Roundhay. It will be a face-to-face session with hot drinks, biscuits and a relaxed, supportive environment where people can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
Who can access support from Sands?
Anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby can access our support. That includes not only parents, but also siblings, grandparents, friends and professionals who may be supporting someone through loss.
What are some memorable things you have done since being part of Sands?
There have been so many meaningful moments. Our volunteers have taken part in a wide range of fundraising and awareness activities over the years.
Natalie took part in the Sands 10,000 steps a day for 100 days challenge! “I completed the challenge walking a total of 1,365,421 steps and raised £800 for the charity. After losing Noah, I would spend hours a day walking as a way to try and work through my emotions, so knowing I was also doing it to support such an important charity gave me even more motivation.”
Janelle has run two marathons for Sands, raising over £3,000, and was also honoured with a Sands Support Award for her volunteering.
Amy marked her 30th birthday with a sponsored skydive and later took part in the Sands Starlight Walk to mark the anniversary of losing her twins. Amy was honoured for her volunteering work within the Leeds community by being featured on the Ribbons by Pippa Hale sculpture that is located at Quarry Hill.
When Reena was accessing Sands support (before she became a Befriender) she joined the Sands online community and met/chatted to other bereaved parents. They became great friends and now go on holiday together each year. Reena is super grateful to Sands for helping her find other parents that were looking for support, who she could share her thoughts and feelings with.
And Fatima, who has been volunteering for 17 years, has supported countless families. One of the most meaningful parts of her journey has been helping parents find ways to create and hold on to memories of their babies.
Where would you like to see the future of Sands?
We would love to see a future where anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss feels able to access support if they need it. Local support groups play a vital role, and raising awareness of them is so important.
No one should have to go through pregnancy or baby loss alone. Sands’ mission is to ensure all bereaved parents receive the support they need.
We also want to see Sands continue its work at a national level, ensuring that pregnancy and baby loss remain high on the political agenda. By amplifying the voices of bereaved parents, we can help influence better policies, improve maternity care and ultimately save babies’ lives.
Leeds Sands continues to provide an invaluable service to families across the region. At Leeds Living, we’re proud to help share their story, because raising awareness is a crucial step in ensuring that no one has to face baby loss alone.
Information on all of Leeds Sands meetings for 2026 can be found at https://leeds.sands.org.uk/local-support
For more info or any questions regarding Leeds Sands befriending or meet ups, you can contact the group at [email protected]
Photography by Mark Wheelwright.
