BEFRIENDER TRAINING 2009

There is currently one scheduled event in Scotland for Befriender training, please see dates and locations below:

Sat 24th Oct & Sat 7th Nov

Polmont, Falkirk

Anyone wishing to attend should, read the section below on becoming a befriender & contact Lesley Dewar - National SANDS

Telephone number 0207 436 7940  www.uk-sands.org

*Please note delegates must attend both days.

Becoming a Befriender

Sands Befrienders play a vital role in offering support to bereaved families throughout the UK. Many of us know first hand how much comfort and support a Befriender can give. The invaluable reassurance of talking to someone else who has been affected by the death of a baby and who is nearby to phone or to meet. Sands is very proud to be able to offer this service and we are hugely grateful to the many volunteers around the country on whom the service relies.

It is, however, very important that anyone intending to take on the role of a Befriender is emotionally ready and has suitable support themselves. In order to become a Sands Befriender there are 4 requirements:

At least one year should have elapsed since your own baby's death

You are an individual paid member of Sands

You are linked with your nearest local Group

You have attended and successfully completed the Sands Befriender Training Programme (see Scottish 2009 dates above).

The befriender training not only helps the facilitators of the training to decide if a parent is ready to befriend, but also enables parents to decide if they feel ready too.

"Always Loved Never Forgotten"