Group Services

Sands Groups are an invaluable local resource without which we would be unable to provide the wide ranging services on offer locally.  All groups are run on a voluntary basis and vary in size dependant on the number of volunteers and resources available.  Many of our groups work closely with their local hospital and provide representation on MSLCs, raise vital awareness of Sands through the media, raise funds for and set up Sands bereavement rooms and remembrance gardens, organise numerous events including memorial services and most importantly provide bereavement support resources and befriending within their local area. 

The Group Services team supports all our local groups, and work closely with new groups as they set up with the help of the networks.  We organise both the befriender training programme at the initial and advanced levels and the training sessions based on the Pregnancy Loss and the Death of a Baby: Guidelines for Professionals, using a nationwide team of trainers and facilitators. More recently the Always Loved, Never Forgotten memory box orders are assembled and dispatched by this team. 

The team consists of:

• Sue Hale, Group Development Manager
• Lesley Dewar, Befriender Training Manager
• Steven Guy, Northern Ireland Coordinator
• Lorna Delayahu, Group Development & Training Coordinator

Steven Guy is our first regional coordinator, Northern Ireland, which we hope will be a model for the other networks in the future. 

Whether you are involved in a long established group or just getting started the group section of our website at http://uk-sands.org/?id=198 will provide you with additional support and information.  If you want to get involved in an established group or are perhaps considering setting one up then please contact Sue for support and guidance.  Email groups(at)uk-sands.org or call 0845 6520 443.