Sands’ 40th Anniversary Conference
Past, Present and Future
The Sands’ 40th Anniversary Conference took place on 17th November in Glasgow, bringing together trustees, members, staff, volunteers, befrienders, bereaved parents, supporters and donors and provided an opportunity for the whole organisation to come together, celebrate what has been achieved over the last 40 years and commit to what more needs to be done to make our vision a reality.
The theme of the Conference was Past, Present and Future to reflect the achievements of everyone who has worked with us over years to support bereaved parents and reduce the baby death rate in the UK. As part of the day we acknowledged and shared key milestones in Sands history and celebrated a shared commitment to the vision and values of Sands, with a focus on how we can work together to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, improve bereavement care and fund research to reduce the number of babies dying.
Keynote speeches
Keynote speeches came courtesy of our two Sands Co-Founders - Bel Mooney and Hazelanne Lewis.
@SandsUK some photos from a wonderful conference. pic.twitter.com/sSSUklE3yT
— Heatherjane Coombs (@Dangercoombs) November 18, 2018
Workshops
There were also an array of workshops designed to help all our attendees and Groups get the most out of the support they provide
@BristolSands Hilary and Charlotte telling us about their fantastic fundraising events @SandsUK 40th conference @EnableLaw #stillbirth #babyloss #sands40 pic.twitter.com/svFNlDv7TH
— Claire Stoneman (@ClaireStoneman) November 17, 2018
#Sands40 Volunteers Awards Ceremony
In our 40th year, we acknowledged and celebrated the wide range of volunteering involvement in Sands. As one of the highlights of this year's conference, the Sands Volunteer Awards ceremony was hosted as part of Spotlight on Sands to recognise 40 amazing volunteers and champions, who had been nominated by their peers, colleagues, members, staff and bereaved parents for the incredible support and contribution they make across the UK to support bereaved parents and anyone affected by the death of a baby.
Absolutely delighted to win an award for outstanding volunteering with Sands. #SandsConference #Sands40 #sandsvolunteer #shetlandsands pic.twitter.com/7fVulVpinK
— Marie Manson (@Vatnagarth) November 18, 2018
Annual General Meeting
The AGM was hosted for an hour ahead of the conference and provided Sands members with an opportunity to hear an update from the Board of Trustees on activities and progress made during the past year.
Hearing from @CHarmerSands about looking ahead to the future @SandsUK 40th anniversary conference @EnableLaw #babyloss #stillbirth pic.twitter.com/PzFe79Zmzl
— Claire Stoneman (@ClaireStoneman) November 17, 2018
Loved my day at the @SandsUK AGM and #sands40 conference yesterday. Thank you to @CHarmerSands and the team for putting on such an inspirational day. Loved meeting the founders of our amazing charity and putting faces to many of the people I talk to on a regular basis. pic.twitter.com/XlZTGz6RZa
— EP (@mrspon01) November 18, 2018
Thank you for attending the Sands’ 40th Anniversary Conference and AGM!
What you said:
Inspirational conference today! Privileged to be in the same room as the founders of Sands, Bel Mooney and Hazelanne Lewis. To hear their stories and to know we wouldn’t be there in that room united to help bereaved parents without them. #sandsconference #teamsands @SandsUK pic.twitter.com/ds09g5F5yu
— N&ELondon (@n_elondonsands) November 17, 2018
Absolutely blown away by the founders of @SandsUK speaking today at the annual conference in Glasgow pic.twitter.com/B6El61aF8Z
— Emma (@MrsEmKedge) November 17, 2018
@danyabakhbakhi lovely to see you all at the @SandsUK conference.@CharlotteABevan pic.twitter.com/lkCBLARwVZ
— Heatherjane Coombs (@Dangercoombs) November 18, 2018
Sadly I couldn’t make the @SandsUK conference in Glasgow but today I received the award in the post, thank you, it is truly humbling to be recognised in this way alongside amazing Sands volunteers that have done so much to reduce baby loss and support bereaved parents. #Sands40 pic.twitter.com/p0MFRNIhMN
— Will Quince MP (@willquince) December 3, 2018
“The workshops went well - the room was full and interesting questions were asked. Thanks again for letting us take part in the day.” – conference participant
“The conference was very inspiring and it was really moving to hear the founders of Sands telling their stories” – conference participant
"I felt it was a very inspiring and motivating day and it was so good to be part of it."
"It was a real privilege to hear Bel Mooney and Hazel Anne speak. It was fascinating hearing how Sands was founded."
"The conference was a very moving and poignant day, jam-packed with celebration and also about moving forward. Brilliant day!"