SUDC UK is a registered, national charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research and supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) – Charity Number 1175413.
SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. 40 children are affected every year in England and Wales alone. This is more than young deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning and comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up.
There is limited awareness and research to understand SUDC and currently, no-one can predict or prevent these deaths. They continue to devastate families year on year.
Our Mission
SUDC exists to support bereaved families, grieving the death of a beloved child by providing a supportive community and by educating the professionals that support them. Our services help families feel less isolated and provide a level of comfort as they navigate complex procedures following an SUDC death. The organisation also raises funds for vital research to make SUDC predicated and preventable in future.
Funding Research: SUDC UK's community donations allow the organisation to fund research projects that aim to further our understanding of SUDC. We also work with research professionals to encourage and optimise research.
Supporting Families: Bereaved families receive professional and peer support as a result of registration with SUDC UK. The organisation also provides practical resources, information and signposting following the loss of a child, and creates a supportive community where families can feel less isolated in the presence of families who have experienced the same tragedy. SUDC UK also advocates for families on an individual case basis as they navigate the official child death process.
Raising Awareness: SUDC works with bereaved families, medical professionals and other professionals as well as the media and general public to support the distribution of accurate and up to date information on SUDC.
