Our Role

The objectives of SANDS (SA) are to:

Provide mutual support and understanding to bereaved persons and relatives who have suffered a loss
To assist bereaved persons and relatives who are suffering, distressed and disorientated due to the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, genetic/medically advised termination, stillbirth or neonatal death
To promote education of professionals, medical and paramedical persons and the community at large about the plight and support needs of bereaved parents and relatives suffering loss
To undertake such other activities as may be incidental to the above objectives.

This has been achieved by establishing a statewide network of parents who are willing to provide support to others also bereaved. Volunteers are running SANDS parent support groups and coffee mornings in South Australia.

Funding and Management

SANDS (SA) are a registered charity. The Management Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting. Volunteer effort is the mainstay of our organisation. Funds are raised through membership fees, tax-deductible donations and fund-raising events.

Other aspects of SANDS (SA) include:

Lobbying State Government to make changes to the Register of Births, Deaths & Marriages which has enabled parents of stillborn babies to receive birth certificates.

Presentation to members of the media that has created a 'Birthday Memoriam' section in the 'Advertiser'.

Conveners of the 6th National Biennial Conference 'Living, Loving & Remembering' which was held at St Peters College, Adelaide October 1996.

Members of SANDS Australia SANDS groups exists in all States of Australia and the ACT.

In 1991 SANDS (SA) were invited to take part in the making of the video 'No Words We Can Say'. The video has been useful in the training of professionals.

An ongoing project is to provide the opportunity for bereaved parents to acknowledge their babies by attaching a star onto the SANDS (SA) 'Web of Dreams'. This memorial is available at all functions of SANDS (SA).