Lancashire footballer joins organisations across North West to support Safer Sleep Week 2026
Blackpool FC captain George Honeyman has joined organisations across Lancashire to support this year’s Safer Sleep Week 2026.
The campaign, which runs until Sunday, aims to raise awareness of the steps families can take to keep babies safe while they sleep. This year’s theme, “Baby Necessities”, highlights the essential items every baby needs for safer sleep and helps parents and carers check that products meet recognised safety standards.
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Safer Sleep Week is led nationally by The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The condition still claims the lives of around three babies each week in the UK.
The campaign aims to give families and professionals clear, practical guidance to reduce risks and help keep babies safe. Local partners across Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire include the NHS, regional councils, Lancashire Constabulary and children’s safeguarding teams. All are sharing safer sleep advice on social media using the hashtag #LSCSaferSleepWeek.
Messages shared as part of the campaign, along with a video featuring Honeyman filmed by his wife Aaishah, herself a midwife with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, highlight several key pieces of guidance for families.
These include:
- Providing a clear, flat and separate sleep space for a baby, such as a cot or Moses basket
- Always placing babies on their backs with their feet to the foot of the sleep space
- Keeping babies smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth
- Ensuring babies do not overheat by keeping rooms between 16–20°C
- Avoiding falling asleep with a baby on sofas or chairs, which can significantly increase risk.
Families will also be offered support on choosing baby products safely, including advice on mattresses and bedding, items to avoid, and how to recognise misleading product claims.
For more information, go to lullabytrust.org.uk