On 22 June 2004 we launch the Message in a Bottle scheme in our area.

Message in a Bottle, also known as Data Link, is a voluntary scheme for anyone living at home who would feel better knowing that essential information about them will be readily available to the Emergency Services should they suffer an accident or sudden illness.

If you're vulnerable (or have a friend or relative who is) you can fill in a simple form listing your medical needs and pop it in a small container stored in the fridge. If emergency services are called to the house, even if you aren't in a position to tell them, they will have instant access to what medication you're on, where it's kept, any allergies, along with any other information that you want known, so they are able to provide the most appropriate care without delay.

Two small Green Cross labels, one inside the house door, one on the fridge door, show the rescuers you're in the scheme and where to find your bottle.

It's all free, and is already giving some peace of mind to many thousands of people in other parts of the country, often thanks to their local Lions Club.

Bottles and forms will be available from many Chemists and Doctor's Surgeries in the area covered by Mexborough & District Lions Club, through wardens or any Lion member, and we'll be taking them to all our public fund-raising events. A list of places with bottles will be posted here once we start, or you can contact us at the email address or phone number shown on the Home Page.

Some Answers

WHO WILL BENEFIT?   Anyone who wishes to use it, including people who are either elderly, infirm, living alone, suffer from a hidden medical condition or allergy, disabled through sight, hearing or speech or simply want someone to know they have had an accident.

WHAT WILL IT COST?   Nothing. It's free to the user. Mexborough & District Lions Club covers the cost of the bottles and forms and provides the labour for managing the project.

WHAT INFORMATION IS INCLUDED?   The form includes sections to state who you are and how you can be identified, medical information such as allergies, medication, next of kin or who to contact. People often include the tear-off section of their latest prescription to accurately show their medication. Information such as pets to be looked after or children to be collected from school can also be included. A carer or a friend can help you complete the form if necessary.

You can see the exact form we're using by clicking here (page 1) and here (page2).

The user updates the information as and when necessary, such as after a change of medication.

The objective of the scheme is to help to make people feel more secure in their homes and to give relatives, who might live some distance away, peace of mind. Nobody will have a master list of people who have received the packs or will know any of the information placed on the form. The fact that you are in the scheme isn't shown from outside the house, both labels are indoors.

HOW WILL THE AUTHORITIES KNOW ABOUT THE SCHEME?   The relevant authorities, i.e. Fire, Ambulance and Police Services, Doctors, Social Services etc., have been contacted and the details explained to them. They are fully supportive of the scheme, which is already up and running in areas covered by the Lions Clubs of Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Maltby, Thorne and many other parts of the UK.