'Message in a Bottle' Scheme available to Gwynedd residents

Cyngor Gwynedd is encouraging people with medical conditions or who are vulnerable to take part in a national scheme that could save vital time in an emergency.

The Council is working with various local partners to promote the 'Message in a Bottle' scheme – a way of keeping key personal and medical information where the emergency services know to look for it in an emergency.

The scheme was established by the Lions Clubs International British Isles, and includes a form to record details such as allergies, health conditions, medication and emergency contacts. All information is kept safely in a small bottle with a green cross on it in the fridge.

Households are also provided with green cross stickers to display inside the home, alerting the emergency services' attention to the presence of the bottle.

If hospital treatment is required, the 'Message in a Bottle' can be transferred to hospital staff.

Cyngor Gwynedd has already commenced distributing the bottles to residents who receive care or telecare services from the Council. Supplies will also be available for free by calling into one of the three Siop Gwynedd sites (Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Pwllheli) or Gwynedd Libraries.

Councillor Dilwyn Morgan, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being said:

"The scheme is a simple, but very effective way, of ensuring that essential information is available to the emergency services. It can make a huge difference in an emergency and puts the minds of individuals and their care-givers at ease.

"I am very glad that we have received funding from the Health and Social Care Regional Integration Fund for such an important scheme, which will make a difference to the residents of Gwynedd and their families."

If you know someone who provides, or intends to provide, unpaid care to an adult or disabled child - whether for a member of their family, a partner or a friend - an ID card is available.

The Carers Support Service provides a range of help and support for unpaid carers in Gwynedd.

Register with the Carers Outreach Service to receive your carer card and access to further information and support: 

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/gofalwyr

Notes

Lions Clubs International British Isles website:

The History of Message in a Bottle - Lions Clubs International British Isles

The scheme is funded in Gwynedd through the Welsh Government's Health and Social Care Regional Integration Fund.