A CHARITY offering support to families who have experienced the death of a baby is extending the hours of its helpline over the Easter weekend.

The confidential, free phone line run by Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity) will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Good Friday, April 19 and Easter Monday, April 22 to provide a safe place for anyone affected by the death of a baby to seek comfort and support. The charity’s experienced bereavement support team is there to listen and signpost to further help.

Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands, said: “Bereaved parents tell us that Easter time can be a difficult time for them as they spend time with their close friends and families. So we have responded by extending the opening hours of our helpline at a time they may need us the most.”

The Sands Freephone Helpline number is: 0808 164 3332. Bereaved parents and their families can also email the helpline at helpline@sands.org.uk, visit the charity’s online community at sands.community/login, or download Sands’ bereavement support app.

Visit sands.org.uk/support for more information.