Safety message in a bottle

Members of the Bolton Lions voluntary group have organised the scheme which involves keeping a small bottle or canister in people's fridges at home.

The bottle has a form containing personal information, including any medication that is being taken, the name of the GP, any allergies and ailments, and who to contact in the event of an emergency.

There is even space for a picture of the person concerned for identification purposes.

The idea is that the emergency services, or anyone responding to an emergency situation involving that person, has swift access to all the details needed - even if the individual is unable to tell them the information themselves.

A sticker showing that the resident is taking part in the scheme is placed near the front door, and another goes on the fridge where the canister is stored.

Bill Laithwaite of Bolton Lions said: "This scheme is particularly useful for elderly, housebound and vulnerable people. It gives them a kind of 'insurance policy', should anything happen to them." The local group of the national charity has been trying to implement the scheme for the past couple of years. It is already running successfully elsewhere, but now that grants have come from Bolton Metro, Awards for All and the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund it can start the scheme, which costs around £3,500 to run.

Bolton Lions have around 10,000 canisters to give away to those who need them.

Currently, they are targeting district nurses, clinics and various groups to try to reach individuals who would benefit most from the scheme.

They have also been busy explaining it to members of the emergency services and other professions which deal directly with the target take-up group.

The canisters are also available from libraries, or by ringing Bolton Carers Support Group on 01204-363056.

Mr Laithwaite added: "It gives quick, accurate information and we hope that it proves really valuable to those who use it."