Message in a Bottle
Message in a Bottle is a simple yet effective program championed by Lions Clubs International. It provides a way for people to keep their essential personal and medical details accessible in case of an emergency.
Here’s how it works:
Home edition
Walking Football edition
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The Kit: A Message in a Bottle kit includes a form where individuals can detail their personal and medical information. This form is then placed inside a distinctive green bottle, which is stored in the refrigerator.
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Stickers: Two stickers are provided with each kit:
- One sticker for the fridge door.
- Another sticker for the inside of the front door of the premises.
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Common Location: The idea is simple—emergency services personnel know to look in the fridge when they see these Message in a Bottle stickers. By having this common location, they can quickly access vital information about the individual.
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Peace of Mind: Whether it’s paramedics, police officers, firefighters, or social services, everyone involved in emergency response supports this initiative. It ensures that prompt and appropriate medical assistance can be provided, and next of kin or emergency contacts can be notified.
Who Benefits from Message in a Bottle?
While the focus is on more vulnerable individuals in our community, anyone can benefit from Message in a Bottle. Accidents can happen to anyone, especially at home. Having this information readily available can save valuable time during emergencies. Walking Football Clubs have had a particular interest in the project.
How to Obtain a Message in a Bottle Kit:
- Contact Local Lions Clubs: Members of the public and other organizations can obtain a Message in a Bottle kit by contacting a local Lions club. Folks in Chepstow and Caldicot can contact us here.
- Online Ordering: Alternatively, you can order a kit using a form on the public website. You can also request new stickers through the same form.
Cost and Availability:
- Free of Charge: Lions Clubs provide Message in a Bottle kits within their local communities free of charge, thanks to fundraising efforts and generous donations.
- Bottle Cost: Some Lions Clubs may supply the bottles to members of the public, health centers, GP surgeries, and local chemists free of charge.
Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle is more than just a program—it’s a lifesaver. By keeping essential information accessible, we can all contribute to faster and more effective emergency responses. So, let’s spread the word and encourage everyone to have their own Message in a Bottle! Remember, it’s a small effort that can make a big difference.
Help promote Message in a Bottle (MIAB)
You can help us promote Message in a Bottle by displaying this poster.
Note to existing MIAB users
If your medication has changed you can download a copy of the form here in order to update the information in your Bottle.