Views sought on new accident prevention strategy

A public consultation is still running on the borough’s new accident prevention draft strategy, with people invited to air their views before 5pm on Wednesday August 13.

The new multi-agency strategy for Blackburn with Darwen is currently being developed to prevent the harms caused by accidents in the borough and provide better support when they do happen.

In the UK, accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths and Blackburn with Darwen is taking a lead locally with a strategy that prioritises the reduction of accidents at key stages throughout a person’s entire life – the first RoSPA-certified (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) area to do so.

We’re seeking views on the action plan within the draft strategy and want to know what’s right with it, what you don’t agree with and what you would like to see added.

One of the ways you can have your say is via a Facebook consultation at: www.facebook.com/BwDPublicHealth

On there you can answer questions that relate to the strategy’s priority areas: reducing accidental injuries: to 0-5s at home, to young people in their leisure time, as a result of road traffic incidents and to over 65s at home.

You can also hear audio clips of what other Blackburn with Darwen residents think about some of the key areas – for example, how we can we support our communities to look out for their older neighbours.

More audio clips will be uploaded soon – including local people’s views on how to stop life changing accidents happening to young people and the importance of having stair gates and fire guards to protect children at home.

You can view the strategy and action plan via the Facebook page, at www.blackburn.gov.uk/hwbb or in paper copy at Blackburn and Darwen Libraries.

As well as on Facebook, let us have your comments by email to publichealthadmin@blackburn.gov.uk, by post to Public Health Team, Floor 6, 10 Duke Street, Blackburn,  BB2 1DH or by phone to (01254) 585345.

The strategy has been developed in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, emergency services, RoSPA and voluntary community and faith sector providers.

It is due to go to the Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Board for approval in October.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This is a vitally important strategy – and an innovative one too, given that it aims to reduce accidents throughout a person’s entire life. Accidents can have a great human and emotional impact to people of all ages so it’s vital we do all we can to reduce them. A reduction in accidents will also bring about significant financial savings related directly to hospital admissions, health and social care. I would encourage everyone to have a read of the action plan and let us have your feedback via the various means available before August 13.”