Merseyside Police and partners share progress on Safer Sleep initiative

Merseyside Police, working alongside Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and local health visiting teams, is excited to share the progress of its Safer Sleep initiative – a pioneering scheme aimed at reducing sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) across the region.

The initiative focuses on raising awareness among parents and carers about safe sleeping practices for babies, helping to prevent tragic and avoidable incidents. Through joint efforts, the partnership has been delivering practical advice, resources, and support to families, ensuring they have the information they need to keep their little ones safe.

Designed and developed by Merseyside Police in Liverpool in 2023 the initiative, which was one of the first of its kind in the country, has now been successfully rolled out across all local authorities in Merseyside following a series of promising outcomes. It was born out of a collaborative effort between Constable Craig Walsh, Merseyside Police and NHS partners, recognising that frontline officers often see children and their families in their home environment during times of crisis and are uniquely positioned to recognise unsafe sleep practices and spot risks that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The programme gives frontline officers the knowledge and tools to spot unsafe sleep practices during home visits and make instant referrals to health professionals through a dedicated Safer Sleep notification app.

Officers can then share safer sleep advice to help reduce risks to children and the referral will allow the local Health Visiting Team to assess the situation clinically and provide the necessary guidance or support to parents and carers.

By integrating safeguarding into everyday policing, the programme ensures timely support and advice reaches families when they need it most.

To date the Safer Sleep initiative has:

• Submitted 81referrals since the Liverpool pilot, directly reducing SUDI risk for vulnerable infants. (between June 2023 and April 2025)
• Delivered training to 1,500 officers to help them to recognise and respond to unsafe sleep environments.
• Reached families most at risk, including those facing deprivation, language barriers, and complex challenges such as domestic abuse or mental health issues.
• Influenced positive changes in home environments, such as removal of unsafe bedding and co-sleeping risks.
• Received positive feedback from families and professionals involved, with improved safeguarding outcomes reported.
• Been independently evaluated by Liverpool John Moores University, who have confirmed the initiative’s effectiveness and have recommended its continued development.

Constable Craig Walsh, who led the development of the app, said:
“This initiative is a powerful example of preventative policing. By identifying small but significant risks and connecting families with expert support, we’re helping to prevent the unimaginable tragedy of infant loss. So far, 81 referrals have been made through the Safer Sleep app, meaning dozens of children have been safeguarded as a direct result. By giving advice to parents, we can safeguard more children, prevent tragedies before they happen, and influence positive change in home environments.”

Lisa Marshall, Operational Manager for Children and Young People at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, added: “It was exciting for the health visitors to be part of the service evaluation for Police Safer Sleep Notifications to Health Visitors as they have been integral to its role out and implementation.  The outcome of the service evaluation has proved to be an interesting read, and I look forward to reviewing and implementing some of the recommendations.”

The initiative forms part of Merseyside Police’s wider Prevention Programme, which focuses on community-based solutions to reduce harm and build trust. With infant mortality rates in Merseyside among the highest in England, the Safer Sleep initiative represents a vital step forward in safeguarding the region’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.

 

Case Studies developed by Mersey Care

Case Study A

What was the problem?

The health visiting service had previously made two visits to the family (at 12 days and 6 weeks old) to provide safer sleep advice and conduct safe sleep risk assessments. However, at a callout to the family home, the police discovered that at 12 weeks old, the baby was sleeping in a cot with excessive blankets and teddies. A Safer Sleep notification was sent to the health visiting team.

What was done?

The attending police officers advised the parents about the importance of maintaining a clear cot space. They completed a Safer Sleep notification to the health visiting team. Subsequently, a health visitor arranged a visit to the family to discuss safer sleep practices. Despite the parents believing the risk was minimal due to the large cot and small baby, the health visitor reiterated the dangers of the baby being smothered by teddies or blankets or becoming too hot if too many blankets were used. A safe sleep risk assessment was completed again with the parents.

Outcome: Parents immediately removed excessive blankets and teddies.

Risk of SUDI reduced

 

Case Study B

What was the problem?

Whilst at address, the police discovered two adults and a 1 year old co-sleeping. The family did not speak English as a first language. Police signposted family to other services and completed a safe sleep notification to the health visiting team. The family was not previously known to the health visiting service.

What was done?

The health visiting service completed a home visit. Mum was initially reluctant to let the health visitor into the property until an interpreter was utilised and the role of health visitor explained. The health visitor discussed safer sleep and acknowledged the police notification regarding co-sleeping. Mum was aware of the risks and reported that they would continue to co-sleep. Following the Lullaby Trust guidelines, the health visitor offered advice on how to co-sleep with reduced risk, including where to position the child, considerations for bedding and pillows, and the importance of supervision. Additionally, the health visitor advised that parents should never co-sleep if they have been smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking any drugs or medications that can cause drowsiness. The parents confirmed that they do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Outcome: The parents were open and honest with services regarding their wish to continue to co-sleep. The heath visitors were able to provide further advice about how to minimise risk of SIDs when co-sleeping, which increased knowledge and understanding for the parents to allow them to reduce the risk of SUDI.

Health visitor feedback: Health visitor service would not have known about this family being in Liverpool if hadn’t been for police attendance. Mum reluctant at first to let health visitor into the property until interpreter was utilised and role of health visitor explained.

Risk of SUDI reduced

 

Case Study C

What was the problem?

Police attended the home and found an almost 1 year old who did not have a cot and was either co-sleeping with parents or sleeping in a bouncer. Despite Early help involvement, the family had not disclosed to any professionals they didn’t have and couldn’t afford a cot after baby had outgrown the moses basket. Family were known to health visiting service and were open to Early Help.

What was done?

The health visitor coordinated with the EHAT Lead and engaged with the family. During a joint visit with Early Help, the mother disclosed financial difficulties and consented to receive additional support.

Outcome: The health visitor and EHAT Lead worked together to source a cot for the child and support. They also supported with financial issues to ensure the family received the benefits they were entitled to and gave further support around home conditions. Mum was grateful for the support she received. Child now has a safe sleep space

Health visitor feedback: Mum was grateful for the support she received. Child now has a safe sleep space.

Risk of SUDI reduced