Press Release
Message in a Bottle Initiative
17th November 2004
"MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE" is an emergency information scheme for vulnerable and older people in the community, which "saves lives and speeds up the attention given by paramedics and the emergency services when called to the home of any ill or older person" says Chief Inspector Andy Cowie, Northern Constabulary's Area Commander for Shetland, and Chairman of the Shetland Community Safety Partnership. "It is now being launched throughout Shetland. The bottle, placed in the fridge, is simple in concept, in that older people are provided with a bottle, which contains a form with personal details, a record of medicines being taken, family or friends to contact and details of any pets in the household. Paramedics, if called through the 999 services, see on the inner door a symbol indicating that the bottle is in the fridge. There is a further small sticker on the outside of the fridge. This enables the paramedic or doctor to take instant action based on this medical information which can mean correct attention is given immediately and this can help save lives. This initiative brings tangible benefits to vulnerable members of the community and is an excellent example of the kind of work supported by the Community Planning Board."
The Scheme was officially launch in Shetland in November 2004.
Councillor John Nicolson, representing Shetland Islands Council on the Community Safety Partnership, says, "We are delighted to see the project develop throughout Shetland. We view it as an important element in helping the less able, vulnerable and older people in our community. It can and will save lives. Social Work will also be distributing bottles to vulnerable individuals and care homes which the Shetland Rotary Club will assist the Community Safety Partnership, with the distribution to groups, clubs and organisations dealing with the vulnerable or older people in the various communities. The medical profession, emergency services and other agencies who are supporting Message In A Bottle are aware of, and welcome, the initiative."
Mike Barron, Co-ordinator for the Message in a Bottle project for Rotary District 1010 (with 81 Rotary Clubs from Alloa/Stirling in the south to Shetland) says "Shetland Community Safety Partnership have taken the initiative by co-ordinating and planning to take positive action in developing the Message In A Bottle throughout the islands. The Shetland Community Safety Partnership is sponsoring three thousand bottles, and with the help of volunteers and Shetland Rotary Club, they will arrange and ensure that groups, clubs and organisations are provided with the FREE Bottles if requested through the co-ordinator. This is also being done in partnership with a wide range of service providers and retail outlets throughout Shetland."
What to do
While individuals can and will have the Bottle provided this is best done in a co-ordinated way by organisations dealing with older people or vulnerable groups who feel that the Message In A Bottle will help their members arranging for supplies to be sent to them.
Contact
The Co-ordinator for Shetland is Jenny Wylie - Community Safety Officer, Shetland Islands Council, Town Hall, Hillhead, Lerwick
Tel: (01595) 744527
Email: jenny.wylie@sic.shetland.gov.uk
However, if you would like a bottle please feel free to contact any member of the Shetland Rotary Club, who have been helping with the distribution.
The Co-ordinator for the North Of Scotland is Mike Barron of the Inverurie Rotary Club (Rotary District 1010)
For further information:
Tel/Fax: 01467 624333
Mobile: 07721 517966
Email: Michael.Barron1@btopenworld.com