Every Sleep a Safe Sleep Multi Agency Training

The sudden and unexpected death of an infant (SUDI) is one of the most devastating tragedies that can happen to any family. At least 300 infants still die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in England and Wales.

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership has seen a sharp increase in the number of infants who have died because of unsafe sleep practices over recent years. As part of the Local Maternity System public health recommendations, it was also recognised that much can be done before, during and after pregnancy to support women and their babies.

In 2020, the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published ‘Out of Routine’ a Thematic Report into SUDI. This report identified these deaths occur more frequently in families where there are certain vulnerabilities. In response, we have developed this training to support frontline workers to engage parents with safer sleeping advice.

Time of training:

2.5 hours

Target Audience:

Multidisciplinary for all agencies who work with parents and carers of babies aged 0-12 months including pre-birth

Course Objectives:

• To ensure all frontline workers are equipped with the skills to engage in individualised safer sleep conversations with parents and carers to reduce the risks of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), in particular where additional vulnerabilities exist
• To introduce the Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy Risk Minimisation Tool and Safer Sleep Protective Factors Tool

Description of course:

The ‘Every Sleep a Safe Sleep’ training comprises:

• a 55-minute webinar delivering key information about SUDI incorporating recommendations from the Out of Routine Report
• how to effectively share safer sleep messages with parents and carers to reduce the incidence of SUDI
• a SUDI Risk Minimisation Tool for Professionals, a Protective Factors Tool for Parents/Carers, plus ‘Every Sleep a Safe Sleep’ guidance
• a 90-minute post-webinar participatory session where you will have the opportunity to use the tools and guidance to explore scenarios where risks are present

Virtual platform:

MS Teams

Disclaimer/warning for the content of the course:

“The content of this training may be upsetting, especially if you have suffered, or been affected by, the death of a baby in any circumstances. If you find you need to take a break at any point, please feel free to do so and return when you are ready”

For additional support please contact:

How we can support you - The Lullaby Trust  

Support for you | Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

When your baby dies | Child Bereavement UK

The Miscarriage Association: Pregnancy loss information and support