Charity registration number 299679 Chairperson’s Notes On Wednesday June 8th 2011 Kate Stanton stepped down from her position as Chair of Derby Sands in order to focus on her new role as one of the Trustee's of The Laura Centre Derby. She will still be involved with Derby Sands as a befriender and committee member. Lou Evans was elected as new Chair with immediate effect. Words from Lou Evans, Chair of Derby Sands I am honoured to have been elected as the new chair for Derby Sands and would like to thank all those who have supported me including all the members of Derby Sands and my husband, parents and friends.  Kate Stanton has made a huge difference to the lives of so many parents and their families over the last 6 years, and has been fundamental in the implementation of so many positive changes that have occurred in bereavement care at the Royal Derby Hospital. On behalf of all the past and current members of Derby Sands I would like to say a huge thank you to Kate for all the tireless hours that she has put into her role as chair and befriender and for all that she has achieved for the benefit of others.  I am so grateful that Kate has agreed to continue to be involved with Derby Sands. I first attended Derby Sands in February 2009 after our daughter Lauren Maya was stillborn the month before. The support I received from Kate and the other parents at the group was so desperately needed and was very gratefully received and slowly I have rebuilt my life with Lauren still very much a part of it. I am so proud to be chair for Derby Sands and everything I have already done for the charity  and will continue to do is with Lauren and all the other little babies in my heart and mind. I hope that through our support meetings, this website and our telephone helpline Derby Sands will continue to provide the understanding, empathy and support that parents so desperately need when their precious baby has died. I will continually be looking for ways to improve the level and type of support we provide and aim to encourage more of our established members to train as befrienders. Together with the committee of Derby Sands, I will strive to ensure that the  care  of bereaved parents in Derby continues to improve by maintaining close links with the relevant staff at the Royal Derby Hospital and in the community. We will provide our feedback, support and assistance wherever required so that together we can help to make the devastation of baby loss  a little more bearable for parents and their families.   Kate Stanton and Lou Evans