GHA is giving parents a helping hand to keep their children safe in the home.

Every GHA tenant with children under the age of five is being offered a free safety advice pack.

The pack contains useful items to prevent a child being scalded, electrocuted or hurt at home – and also a booklet with first aid advice if something does go wrong.

The safety advice pack is one way GHA is supporting young families.

Last year in Glasgow alone 866 children under the age of 15 were admitted to hospital as a result of an accident – with 403 of these injuries happening in the home.

And statistics show that children under the age of four suffered more accidents than any other age group.

GHA wants to give parents peace of mind and to help reduce the number of hospital admissions.

The child safety advice pack includes:

• hair straightener cover

• blind cord shorteners

• socket covers

• corner cushions

• drawer/cupboard locks

• first aid advice.

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Alex McGuire, GHA’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration, said: "Every parent wants to make their home as safe as possible, but we all know that accidents can and do happen.

"The free packs are packed full of useful items and advice for parents which could help prevent their child being seriously hurt.

"We want to give families the best possible start in life – and by making a few small changes around the home we can prevent the worst from happening."

Tenant Tina Ravenscroft from Mansewood has three children under the age of 13. She knows how difficult it can be to keep Cameron, 13, Taylor, 7, and five-year-old Ellis safe at all times.

Tina said: "Over the years our kids have tripped and had scars on their foreheads. They’ve also hit their heads on tables. We’re just like every other family. Fortunately, we’ve not had any major accidents, but I know others have not been so lucky.

"These safety packs are a really good idea. They could stop children getting badly hurt."

Megan Woods, 20, from Hillpark is a mum to youngsters William, 18 months, and Casey, 17 weeks.

Megan said: "I think the packs are brilliant. William is into everything at the moment from sticking his fingers into plugs, into the freezer and even the cooker. He’s also jammed his fingers in drawers. We’ll definitely be using the pack."

The child safety advice packs were developed in partnership with the NHS.

GHA is supporting a number of initiatives to help young families as part of its vision to create better homes and better lives. This includes the Positive Parenting Programme which helps parents develop skills to deal with their children at every stage of their development.

Any GHA tenant with a child under the age of five can request a pack by phoning the Customer Service Centre on 0800 479 7979 or by asking their Housing Officer.

(GK)