Welshpool’s ‘cool’ life saver

Welshpool’s 2,500 households will be entitled to join a free initiative that has the potential to save lives.

The Message in a Bottle scheme (pictured) has been created by the Lions Club and backed by Welshpool Town Council, Community First as well as emergency services in a bid to save crucial time in a crisis situation.

“It’s a fantastic scheme and one which the council is proud to be supporting because it will save lives for a town like Welshpool with an aging population,” said Town Clerk, Robert Robinson. “We have pledged £450 which is enough to ensure that one of these is available for every household. Community First will be sponsoring the number of capsules that are required for Oldford.”

The scheme was first trialed in Wrexham and is set to be rolled out country wide. It is a voluntary scheme for householders who would like to be reassured to know that essential information would be readily available to the emergency services should they suffer an accident or sudden illness in the home. It means vital information is available not only to identify the householder, but to advise of relevant illnesses, allergies, medication and contact addresses.

The scheme could not be simpler. The four-inch ‘capsule’ consists of a form to be filled in and is then placed in the fridge. Stickers, which are provided with the capsule, should be placed on the fridge door and the inside of the front door.

The scheme has been approved by Welshpool Town Council and will be ready for the New Year. Mywelshpool will inform householders nearer the time on how they can collect their free capsule.