Hundreds of seatbelt covers will soon be issued to neurodivergent children and adults to help emergency responders provide appropriate support.
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils have joined forces with the West Mercia Police Autism & Neurodiversity Network to deliver ‘Project Treasure’ which will see 500 seatbelt covers provided to children and adults who live or travel through the two districts.
The seatbelt covers will include a contact card with important information about the child or adult- and their needs- if they are ever to be involved in a road traffic collision.
The card will explain how best to help them should the parent or carer be unresponsive or unable to relay the information.
Richard Cooper, Temporary Deputy Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, said: “Emergency responders are called to all sorts of different incidents. What is common to all of them is that people are involved who need our help. These seatbelt covers will assist us in considering the individual person we are helping, and I am grateful to everyone who has committed time to making them a reality.”
Cllr Natalie McVey, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased to be able to support this amazing project which will give that peace of mind to parents and carers. The covers will give emergency workers important information to enable them to provide the life-saving care that may be needed”.
Cllr Rob Adams, Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said: “We are proud to be a part of this important project which will support people affected by neurodivergent conditions. It’s great to fund such crucial work to better support our community at a time of need.”
The covers will be distributed to special education providers, but residents can apply for a seatbelt cover by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/project-treasure
Date published: 30 April 2024