SIDS New Zealand work with the community supporting anyone affected by the death of a child, including parents and family as well as friends and community workers.
There are informative courses available for new parents, health workers, and any other caregivers who work with children.
The site features a multitude of resources for the wide range of people affected by SIDS, or any other cause of death of children.
The SIDS Helpline runs 24 hours, seven days a week and is staffed by a wonderful group of very dedicated volunteers – people who have experienced SIDS in their families and want to pass on support and compassion.
There is a “Family Stories” section which houses stories and tributes to children who have passed away, and information on how to support anyone you know who may be going through this horribly difficult experience.
This site was conceptualised, designed, and built over a two week period in 2007 by Hayden Hunter and myself for the very first yMedia Challenge.
Expression Engine is used to allow the community group to maintain the site themselves, and it’s been awesome to see how well they do so.
News and resources are maintained, and heart-wrenching stories from those affected by SIDS are always being added by the SIDS Staff.
SIDS as an organisation are dedicated to their media strategy, and are this year encouraging nominations and votes for their site as Best Community Website in the 2009 Netguide web awards.
Wishing them all the best for the awards!