There are many dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters who together make the work of Red Nose possible. This is Jessica’s story.
“I have worked at Red Nose as a Safe Sleep Educator since October 2018. As a Safe Sleep Educator, I teach parents and child care workers about the important steps they can take to make sure babies are kept safe while they’re sleeping.
“I travel to child care centres, foster care agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services and Expos to deliver presentations. I also hold webinars with remote areas in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
“This means that even childcare centres that are too far away for an educator to travel to can still learn our recommendations and help protect little lives.
“Before getting involved with Red Nose I was a stay at home mum for 12 years. I have three girls; twins, 13 years old and a 10 year old. Before them I worked in Public Relations, in the not-for-profit sector at child and family services and foster care agencies.
“I’ve always tried to make this world a better place for children.
“When this job came up at Red Nose, I saw it as a perfect opportunity. I’ve been able to balance looking after my own babies with working to save the lives of other little ones.
“I think my own experience of being a mother helps to reinforce how important the work of Red Nose is, in educating parents and the community about how to prevent SIDS and SUDI.
“In Sweden, where I am originally from and had my twins, I was never told some of the basic things we know now. I made so many mistakes. I’m so grateful for the work Red Nose does for Australians, and to be part of that.
“I know how daunting parenthood it is, so if I can help parents make the right decisions and educate them, I feel like I have achieved what I want to do.”
Red Nose has reduced the incidence of SIDS by 85%, through public health campaigns, funding research and delivering education programs. Our vision is a future where no child dies suddenly and unexpectedly during pregnancy, infancy or childhood.
To achieve that goal, it’s important we keep educating new parents, healthcare professionals and childcare workers, so they practice safe sleep methods that help reduce the risk of SIDS and SUDI.
Your donations make this education work possible. Donate to Red Nose today.