LLAY residents are being encouraged to send an SOS message to the emergency services.

The Message in a Bottle and Message in Your Wallet initiatives encourage people to complete a small form which lists essential information which would be needed in an emergency and to keep the information either in a wallet or in a bottle in the fridge.

The scheme was launched in the area by Wrexham Maelor Lions Club and is supported by the Welsh Assembly and the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW).

It is being promoted by officers in the Llay area as part of Not in My Neighbourhood Week through the Community Safety Partnership.

Bottles and small wallets containing forms will be available free to Llay residents.

Inside is a form which includes details such as name, address, next of kin details and any information about illnesses, allergies and medication the person may be taking.

Sergeant Dave Marsden said: “Green stickers with a white emergency cross are provided in the bottle and residents are encouraged to place a sticker on their house front and rear doors and on the fridge.

“In the event of an emergency it could save valuable time as the relevant service will know important information about the individual is on hand.”

Police community support officer Olie Barton has already promoted the initiative by delivering presentations to luncheon clubs, organisations and in the local shopping park.

He said: “People have been positive about the scheme and have even spoken about it to their family and friends, which in turn has generated more interest.”

Wrexham Locality Ambulance officer Mark Timmins welcomed the initiative.

He said: “It’s a great scheme for ambulance crews who need to check up on the medical history of patients while attending to them in their own home.

“The scheme will provide us with greater assistance if we have to treat a patient outside their home.”