A new “Small Steps for Safety” campaign is launching today across County Durham and Darlington during Child Safety Week (1–7 June 2026), aiming to help families reduce preventable injuries in young children.

The campaign focuses on improving safety for children aged 0–5 years by sharing simple, practical advice with parents and carers about some of the most common accidents that happen in the home.

Each year, thousands of children are admitted to hospital following accidents, many of which are preventable. Common risks include falls, poisoning, choking, burns, scalds, and drowning.

At the centre of the campaign is a series of new awareness videos featuring everyday home situations and practical steps families can take to help keep children safe.

The videos feature local children in a real home setting and are told through the eyes of a child, helping families relate to everyday situations where accidents can happen.

A series of videos will be shared across social media throughout Child Safety Week, which focus on individual safety themes.

Victoria Cooling Consultant in Public Health at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Most accidents involving young children can be prevented through simple safety measures and increased awareness of everyday risks in the home.

“This campaign has been developed to support parents and carers with practical, realistic advice that can make a real difference to keeping children safe.

“By working together across health, safeguarding and community services, we hope to encourage conversations about child safety and help families feel more confident identifying and reducing risks at home.”

The campaign encourages parents and carers to:

  • Watch children closely
  • Identify risks before accidents happen
  • Stay aware of new risks as children grow and develop
  • Make small changes to improve safety at home

Key advice includes:

  • Locking away medicines and cleaning products
  • Keeping small objects out of reach
  • Using stair gates appropriately
  • Supervising children around water
  • Preventing burns and scalds from hot drinks and cooking
  • Following safe sleeping advice for babies

The campaign has been developed in partnership with organisations across health, local authority public health, safeguarding and children’s services across County Durham and Darlington.

Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said: “This important campaign is a vital step towards keeping our children safe from preventable accidents.

“The time it takes to learn this practical, sometimes lifesaving advice is negligible when compared to the number of accidents it can prevent.

“By working with our partners, we hope we can reach as many parents and carers as possible with this initiative.”

Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, Darlington Borough Council, said: “Giving children the best start in life is one of our top priorities and we are delighted to be involved with this fantastic campaign which will help keep local children safe and well.

“We know that the home is the most common place for childhood accidents and sadly the rates of unintentional and deliberate injuries in children and young people in Darlington is above the regional and national average.”

“This new series of films will play a vital role in ensuring parents and carers have access to reliable, trustworthy and easy to understand information which will help avoid preventable injuries and accidents from occurring.”

Families are encouraged to watch and share the campaign videos and access further information and advice online.

For more information and safety advice please visit the childhood injury prevention web page.