Most Sands Groups go through periods when they feel as though they are floundering a little and there isn't as much help as they need to keep the group active.

Here are some key points from the personal experience of Lisa Brayshaw, chair of Birmingham Sands, to help keep you up and running:

1. Keep things simple, certainly to start with. Only try to do the basic things first and then build up. These would include:

• Running a helpline
• Hold group meetings.
• Have a contact at each hospital in your local area.
• Fundraising.
• Mailing list and newsletter or information sheet.

Helpline - Have more than one befriender if possible. Ensure all befrienders have been on the training and agree clear boundaries when taking calls. Ensure befrienders have support or supervision. Send follow up letter to each new contact with information about the group.

Group meetings - hold at a set time and place each month. If possible have a rota of people to host the meetings with 2 per meeting to support each other. Set some ground rules for the group and have clear boundaries about what time the group starts and finishes. Keep the meetings relaxed and informal.

Hospital contact - have a named contact at each hospital in your area. Ensure they have the correct group details and encourage them to give out the details to new parents. Keep them informed of any events you are holding and ask how you can support them.

Fundraising - recruit as much help as possible and don't try to do it all yourself. Encourage people to get involved however big or small. Seek support from the Sands fundraising department 0845 6520 447 or fundraising@uk-sands.org.

Mailing list and newsletter - build up a mailing list to enable you to keep records of new contacts and send out information. Write a news letter to keep people informed of any national or local level events taking place. Include personal experiences, poems, articles, anniversary dates and information on events as a way of supporting people in the group and keeping them involved.

2. As the group grows encourage people to get involved and form a committee. Hold business meetings to discuss all that needs doing and delegate out the tasks.

3. Adopt the Sands group constitution as soon as possible.

4. As you gain more support hold one or two annual awareness or remembrance events, for example a Christmas memorial service or a balloon release during awareness month.

5. Get involved with your regional network, enabling you to gain support, training, information from national Sands and ideas for your group.

6. Know your limits and give time for yourself.

Whatever you do you are doing a fantastic job and providing vital support to bereaved families throughout the country. Keep it up!