The Manx Accident Prevention Forum is holding a day-long seminar to encourage debate and discussion around managing “risk”. The Forum is a multi-agency group that works together to co-ordinate and generate accident prevention initiatives, and encourages and utilises the wide range of skills and expertise available within the Island. This year’s seminar, Life: A Risky Business, to be opened by Mr Dudley Butt MLC, is to be held at Keyll Darree, Noble’s Hospital site, Braddan, on Wednesday 10th November 2010. Accidents and injuries can have a devastating effect, leaving people to cope with bereavement, disability, or facing the consequences of their actions that may have caused harm to others. This multi-agency event will focus on ‘Children and Risk’ in the morning session starting at 9.00 a.m., and conclude in the afternoon with an ‘Adults and Risk’ session, commencing at 1.15 p.m. Delegates may attend for a full or half day dependent on their areas of interest. Minister for Health, Mr David Anderson MHK said “People can often bemoan the era of health and safety we currently live in, and yet taking simple, sensible, practical steps to avoid accidents, particularly for children and those in vulnerable groups, can make all the difference. The word accident covers a wide range of circumstances, and I think people need to realise that we’re not just talking about scraped knees – serious medical need can arise from circumstances that can be avoided. I would invite anyone with an interest to enquire about attending the seminar.” The full day will involve an interesting mix of speakers and practical workshops from a variety of diverse presenters, from the Fire and Rescue Service to Road Safety, and the Children’s Centre to Accident and Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital. Michelle Clague, Senior Health Improvement Officer, Public Health Directorate said, “This exciting one day seminar will give the public and professionals the opportunity to hear about risks present in everyday situations, and the best ways to manage these risks. It will also promote some lively discussion with regard to how much risk taking is acceptable, and how we learn to take or avoid risks as a child, and on through adulthood.” Chris Gregory, Playwork Development Officer from the Children’s Centre will be speaking at the event; he said; “Recent statistics have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 children don’t play outside on a regular basis. What happened to the halcyon days of children playing on the streets and climbing trees? I’ll be discussing why and when this change occurred and what impact it has had on the lives of children and further discussing what we as a community can do to support children’s outdoor play.” Phil Bennett, Commercial Development Officer for St John Ambulance said: “St John Ambulance is committed to improving first aid provision in the Isle of Man. This seminar will give us the chance to teach people Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a life saving skill, so that they can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.” The Road Safety team will also be present at the event, raising awareness through an In-car Safety workshop. Research in the UK has shown that 8 out of 10 child safety seats are incorrectly fitted, and this seminar will help to raise awareness of safety seat requirements and how to fit them correctly.” The seminar and workshops will be free of charge and are open to both professionals and members of the public. If you wish to attend or would like more information, please call 642639 to book your place, or visit www.accidentprevention.gov.im where an application form can be downloaded and a full programme can be viewed. - ENDS -