Information Bulletin
22 June 2004
'Buy Wise - Be Safe' Advice for New Parents
Practical advice to help keep children safe is now being distributed to all new parents in Shetland in the form of the 'Buy Wise - Be Safe' video pack.
The pack comprises a 22-minute video offering advice about buying and using new and second hand equipment such as cots, car seats and pushchairs. Handy pocket-sized information cards, to be used as a guide whilst making a purchase, complement this. The pack also includes training support materials to assist the health professionals who give advice, information and support to parents throughout Shetland.
The videos and training support packs were officially presented to health visitors and midwives during a recent antenatal class at the Gilbert Bain Hospital. The training will help parents get the maximum benefit from their personal 'Buy Wise - Be Safe' pack.
As part of this antenatal class, parents and midwives watched the video together and used the teaching material to stimulate discussion about child safety. Health visitor Christine Harker, who conducted the antenatal class, said the feedback was very positive.
One parent felt that they would be able to use a lot of the tips to improve safety around their own home. Another will now always check that any second hand equipment they buy (or are given) still has the correct instructions for use.
Councillor Willie Tait, Shetland Islands Council's spokesperson for Public Health, who presented the packs is very enthusiastic about the project, which he believes will provide great benefit to families throughout Shetland.
'Buy Wise - Be Safe' is a joint project between Shetland Islands Council's Trading Standards Service and NHS Shetland, supported by funding from the Shetland Community Safety Partnership.
ENDS