Here in N. Ireland, 4 babies a week are stillborn or die in the first 4 weeks of life.
Sands in NI has been quietly supporting parents for twenty five years. Initially there were two groups in Belfast and Ballymoney, then later the Ballymoney group folded leaving just Belfast.
Belfast was lead by Jackie Reid with help from some others; she was a very sensitive and compassionate person and helped many parents including Jacqui and myself. Jackie Reid supplied all the Belfast Maternity units with Sands leaflets and also gave talks on the role of Sands in supporting parents.
Belfast raised money in various ways including donations and an annual Christmas raffle. In the mid-nineties Jackie Reid felt that the time had come to step down from running the group and she handed over to Pam Bishop and Sharon Smith. They led Belfast Sands with the same compassion as Jackie Reid, until recently when because of family commitments both had to step down.
For the last year I have taken over the leading of Belfast in a caretaker role, and have now found two new leaders with the same commitment that previous leders had. Colin and Cathy have completed the Sands befriender training course and are working to improve the support offered to parents.
Steven Guy,
Sands NI Network Convenor