Safer Sleep Week: Free Training Available in Cornwall to Prevent SIDS

Safer Sleep Week highlights urgent need for awareness and action

Free online training is now available to anyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who works with families with babies, aiming to reduce the number of infant deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The training, provided by The Lullaby Trust and funded by Cornwall Council’s public health team and Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP), is part of Safer Sleep Week (10th–16th March).

More than 600 professionals—including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, GPs, housing officers, social care professionals, and voluntary sector workers—have already taken part.

Why this training matters

Every year in the UK, around 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly, with many of these deaths potentially preventable through safer sleep practices. Since 2019, 24 babies in Devon and Cornwall have died where unsafe sleeping was a factor.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said:

“Although SIDS is now very rare, it is still devastating dozens of families every year. Following safer sleep advice can significantly reduce the chances of SIDS, which is why this training is so important. It is so encouraging to see how many colleagues across Cornwall have completed this important training so far.

“Promoting safer sleep advice is everyone’s business – by talking to families and supporting them to understand how to avoid the specific risks, we can help to keep our babies safe in Cornwall and reduce the number of babies dying.”

Dr Eunan O’Neill, interim director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, added:

“This training is for anyone working with families with babies in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and I urge as many people as possible to take up this offer.

“The packages are incredibly intuitive and easy to follow, and could save babies’ lives. If you work with families with babies then I would encourage you to take part. We would particularly like to encourage more professionals who work in our mental health, drug and alcohol support services, emergency services, maintenance services and housing to sign up too.”

How to access the training

The free training includes three pre-recorded courses tailored to different professional roles. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of SIDS risks and prevention, equipping participants with the knowledge to have supportive conversations with families.

To sign up, visit the OSCP website, where a pre-training survey must be completed. A link and password to access the training will then be sent (this may take up to five working days). Free spaces are limited, so early registration is advised.

The training is available until mid-July.

For further details, contact the OSCP training team at OSCPtraining@cornwall.gov.uk.

More information on safer sleep for babies is available on Cornwall Council’s website and through The Lullaby Trust.