INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE:
In summer 2021, SCSN commissioned a research literature review, exploring the factors that cause - and those that mitigate against - injury at home. The report was shared last June: https://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/2021/06/30/causation-factors-of-unintentional-injury-in-the-home-3/ An extract from the report’s opening reveals: “Every year, there are 6000 deaths in the UK as a result of accidents in or around the home... A UK government report published in 2018 stated that accidents at home are a leading cause of preventable death for children under five years… older people are also at an increased risk of injury and death...” We don’t think of our homes as hazardous places. But the evidence - backed up by findings from Public Health Scotland (PHS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) - are clear. Injury and fatalities occur in homes, and in growing numbers. Due to the global pandemic – with shifts in society’s behaviours, rituals and relationships with home – citizens are at home more of the time. Therefore, this issue has become more pressing, critical and immediate. But resources have been reduced, or redirected. So we wanted to challenge that decline; to persuade and remind, of the need for attention and action. We wanted to produce a resource that would emphasise our report’s findings in an interactive, open way. We invited friends, RoSPA - and hired a talented local illustrator – to collaborate with us, to develop a unique fusion of art and data, to create a Home Safety Map: https://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/home-safety-map/

METHOD:
Not a ‘map’ in its literal sense. And although there are no coordinates or ‘X’ marking a spot of riches, there are useful directions and treasures to find. We wanted to create something that helps make the subject feel alive and relatable, and reach people - ideally guardians, carers - but primarily, children and older people.

RESULTS:
We kept text to a minimum. We recognised that in many communities, literacy is limited (for a variety of reasons). Two of the principle demographics are the very young and very old. We wanted the map to be universally understood, without compromising effectiveness or purpose. It’s also true that people, generally find it harder to connect with unsettling information. But art can help soften and make information more accessible.

CONCLUSION: We would be delighted to share our experience and findings with European safety partners.

KEY WORDS: Home; safety; innovation; prevention; awareness