About Sands
Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this has happened and for as long as they need support.
Babies are dying every day. Currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. That’s around 4,800 babies a year. And at least 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. These numbers are shocking and show the scale of the problem – this affects far more people than you might have realised.
Currently, far too many babies die without scientists, doctors, midwives, or their own parents understanding why. That’s why we believe research is vital in improving our understanding of how to save babies’ lives and using that evidence to drive changes in maternity policy and practice.
For more than 40 years, Sands has been there for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to offer understanding and comfort through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups.
Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK.
Sands supports and promotes research to better understand the causes of baby deaths, improve maternity safety and save babies’ lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.
About Starlight Walk
Starlight walk is a 4-6km (depending on location) walk at sunset, where supporters will be walking in memory of their babies. We hold Starlight Walks in Edinburgh, Bristol and Leeds, there are also events run around the UK by our wonderful volunteer groups. People also have the option to take part in a Starlight Walk virtually – there really is an option for everyone! Without your support we couldn’t run this event, so thank you for getting involved!
Role Description
The Event Volunteer role is a varied role that will support members of the staff team in the logistics of the day. This could be helping with marshalling around the route, the registration desk, the shop, or any other duty required by the volunteer lead for the event. Please note you will only be placed where you feel comfortable.
What skills and experience will I develop from this role?
- Organisational skills.
- Working as part of a team.
- Build confidence in talking to members of the public.
- Knowledge of Sands work.
- How to signpost individuals to sources of emotional support.
- Event logistics.
What does the role involve?
- To represent Sands on the day and be a welcoming face for participants.
- To direct participants to a member of the events team if they have any questions or concerns prior to the event day.
- To encourage and motivate those taking part.
- To undertake one or a few of the responsibilities below (you will only be placed where you are comfortable)
- Marshalling the route to direct walkers
- Signing in walkers at the registration desk
- Selling merchandise
- Welcoming walkers back and handing out medals
- Looking after our lantern decorating station and memory wall
The event lead and other Sands staff will be available on the day to support you wherever you’re based.
Hours
- An informal call with Sands after application to discuss the event, the role and ask any questions you may have.
- Up to 6 hours on event day.
- An informal feedback survey post-event to find out how it went and if there’s anything we can do to improve the volunteer experience for future events.
What skills and attributes do I require for this role?
- Confidence in talking to new people.
- Friendly and approachable.
- Awareness of potential situations where participants may feel emotional. We will equip you with details on how to respond and signpost anybody who might need support during the event.
- Team player, working together to create a positive experience for event participants.
What support will Sands give me in this role?
- A Sands t-shirt to wear on the night.
- A Sands point of contact you can be in touch with during the lead up to and on event day.
- An event briefing in advance of event day so you know what’s required of you, what to bring and any other information that might be helpful.
How to apply
Please click on the link to apply Sands Fundraising Starlight Walk Volunteer Application Form | Sands – Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families.