History 2000-07

The SANDS Garden was opened in 2000 in the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire and an annual open day and memorial service is now held in June every year. The Garden was created in memory of all babies who have died before, during or soon after birth and to raise public awareness of the distress and grief caused by their death. New resources were produced including SANDS Memory Card to use in hospital in the days after a baby has died, and SANDS 2 track CD with songs by SANDS parents.

In 2001 Routledge republished the book When A Baby Dies, an essential source of support and information for parents and those caring for them.

2002 After a national survey of members, SANDS newsletter was re-designed with a new look and improved content. SANDS' fundraising expanded with members organising a wide range of events, such as the 'Sedan Chair' runners in the 2002 London Marathon. Media interest in SANDS led to increased coverage of stillbirth and neonatal death issues in local and national newspapers, magazines, radio and TV.CESDI (The Confidential Enquiry into Death in Infancy), now known as CEMACH, is the DoH body which looks at ways of improving practice to reduce numbers of perinatal deaths. As part of increasing collaboration between SANDS and CESDI, a study day on the subject of "Communication in Pregnancy between mother, baby and professional", was held in 2002. Parents and maternity service providers were able to share and learn from their experiences of giving and receiving care. SANDS' representation at national level has continued. We have been part of the Funeral Care Forum - a national body that aims to ensure that the experience of arranging a funeral does not add to the anguish of the bereaved. SANDS trustees sit on advisory panels for range of health service matters, including post mortem issues. SANDS is a founder member of ABC - the Association of Baby Charities - an umbrella organisation bringing together all the charities working in the area of pregnancy and baby loss.

2003 In addition to established services and projects, 2003 saw SANDS developing new initiatives including, Parent led training for Health Professionals, Re-designed Befriender Training Programme, Launch of SANDS new website, Complete revision and up-date of SANDS Guidelines for Professionals and the SANDS baby card.

2007 On 12th June during the awareness month the newly revised set of Professional Guidelines will be launched.