SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) is a growing national charity, which was established to provide support for bereaved parents and their families, following the death of their baby at or around the time of birth. SANDS has a national network of more than 150 local self-help groups run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents. Volunteers in the local groups provide support by telephone befriending, home visits and group meetings. They also raise awareness locally on all aspects of stillbirth and neonatal death, liaising with local health workers and fundraising. SANDS produces a range of leaflets and publications for bereaved parents and health professionals, provides an Information Service and Training Programme, and has a National Telephone Help line.

1975 - 1976 Both Bel Mooney (a journalist) and Hazelanne Lewis (a psychiatric social worker) gave birth to stillborn babies. At that time, most parents were not allowed to see or hold their babies, no photographs were taken and parents were not told where their babies were buried. Bel wrote an article in the Guardian describing her experience, and Hazelanne then wrote to the Guardian and other national newspapers asking parents to contact her so that a guide to improving the care from professionals could be written. An avalanche of replies showed a universal need for support from other bereaved parents.

1977 As a result of this, the National Stillbirth Study Group was set up by Dr David Morris, a paediatrician, and Sandy Bourne and Manny Lewis, two psychiatrists at the Tavistock Clinic. The group was made up of health professionals and representatives from the major bereavement support groups as well as bereaved parents like Hazelanne. It aimed to draw up a booklet, which would help both parents and health care professionals. At the same time the Stillbirth Association, which had been formed by Hazelanne, offered support to parents and established a nationwide befriending network. Thanks to their campaigning, the Registrar General agreed to change "Certificate for the Disposal of Stillborn Babies" to "Certificate for the Burial of Stillborn Babies".

1978 - 1981 The Stillbirth Association became the Stillbirth and Perinatal Death Association (SPDA), and the fight to get it registered as a charity began. This was given a boost when they were presented with the Queens Award for Industry in 1978. The Charity Commissioners would only accept that SPDA's cause was charitable if its members would declare that all bereaved parents were mentally ill.

It was not until 1980 that the Commissioners accepted that supporting bereaved parents was a charitable aim. The charity was finally registered in 1981 after it had held its first AGM and ratified its constitution. Meanwhile, The Loss of Your Baby was first published in 1979. Initially hospitals were using it to train midwives rather than giving it to parents and within two years practice had improved in every hospital in the country.

In 1981, through pressurising the government SPDA succeeded in obtaining for mothers the same right to exemption from NHS charges after the death of their baby that was allowed to mothers whose babies lived.

1982 - 1984 As a result of pressure from SPDA, Mrs Thatcher agreed that parents should be allowed to have a copy of the Stillbirth Registration Certificate and to have their baby's name written on the certificate. The Association also received its first grant from the DHSS, and employed its first member of staff, an administrator.

In 1984 SPDA became the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS).

1985 SANDS set up a working party to look at improving the care and advice given to parents regarding funerals and the formalities following the death of a baby. Workshops were held throughout the country, and the first study day for professionals took place.

1986 - 1988 Following the findings of the working party, Saying Goodbye to your Baby was published, along with After Stillbirth - What Happens Next? A guide for professionals. SANDS moved to its current location in Portland Place, and a survey of SANDS groups was carried out which showed that over 4000 bereaved parents were befriended locally, while over 1500 were being supported by the SANDS office.

In 1988 the distinctive teardrop logo was designed for SANDS and launched at the AGM.

1989 - 1990 The 1989 Annual Report won a major award confirming SANDS' status as a successful, growing charity. Increasing public demand led to new posts being created: a part-time Fundraiser, an Information Officer, a Press and PR Consultant and an Office Manager. A working party was set up to examine the management of pre-28 week baby loss. Media attention was generated by a men-only workshop on the needs of fathers following the loss of a baby.

1991 Guidelines for Professionals, drawn up by a working party of parents and health care professionals, was launched by Virginia Bottomley, Minister for Health, with considerable media coverage. Results were compiled from a preliminary survey of how hospitals managed the disposal of babies born before reaching 28 weeks gestation. In response, SANDS commissioned a book, A Dignified Ending, outlining recommended practice.

1992 Up till this time stillbirth was defined by law as a 'baby born dead after 28 completed weeks' gestation'. From the late 1980s SANDS lobbied Parliament to change this definition to 24 weeks. When the Stillbirth (Definition) Act 1992 was passed in October, it was a major breakthrough because a baby who is stillborn is recognised in law as an individual and so the baby's birth must be registered and the baby must be buried or cremated.

1993-1995 SANDS introduced a new initiative, the teardrop sticker, in December 1993. It features the SANDS logo and is used on maternity and medical files to alert any health professional consulting a file that the mother has lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. Also in 1993 SANDS commissioned Remembering Michael, a story about two children whose brother is stillborn, to help siblings of stillborn babies. A Development Appeal was launched, backed by the actress Susan Hampshire. Guidelines for Professionals was completely revised and updated. Baroness Cumberledge, Minister for Health, attended the launch in November 1995.

1996 The first SANDS National Awareness Week in April aimed to raise SANDS' profile and to generate funds at the same time. Actress Carole Royle launched the week at Covent Garden, and local groups round the country held events to promote SANDS.

1998 A new three year development programme was set up to enable SANDS to improve its three key service areas: the National Telephone Help line Service; the UK-wide network of Groups; and the Information and Publications Service. Work includes expanding the Help line, extending the training programme for SANDS befrienders, and setting up a Shared Experiences Register to facilitate contact between bereaved families whose experience of the death of a baby has been similar in one way or another.

1998-2000 During this period SANDS concentrated on developing its main support services
The Help line Service was expanded to meet the growing demand for the service from bereaved parents, their families and health professionals. The Help line staffed by Help line Manager and a team of 5 part-time Help line workers (four of whom were recruited from SANDS experienced network of befrienders). Two specialists within the office team who respond to the growing number of emails from bereaved parents also supported the Help line service at peak periods.A new befriender training programme, consisting of introductory and intermediate days, was introduced to develop the level and quality of support provided to bereaved parents. During these years an average of 10 befriender training days were delivered in different locations throughout the UK.

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.