A pioneering pilot project designed to support neurodivergent children in emergencies has been officially launched in Fife.

Believed to be the first initiative of its kind in Scotland, Project Embrace provides specially designed personalised seatbelt covers for children with neurodivergent conditions, including those who may be non‑verbal or face communication barriers during a crisis.

The seatbelt covers will draw the attention of emergency responders who will see a contact card with information about the child if they are involved in a road collision.

Fife Council’s Safer Communities team has now distributed 200 covers across the region’s five special education needs (SEN) schools, and work is already underway to expand the initiative to mainstream schools and young people who have left education.

Tricia Spacey, Fife Council Safer Communities Manager, said: “The Safer Communities Team are delighted to launch Project Embrace today.

“We are always looking at ways to support vulnerable road users and we believe this will do exactly that - it is an innovative and preventative road safety initiative which will help improve post-crash response for vulnerable road users, specifically neurodivergent children and individuals with communication needs.

“We are especially proud to say we are one of, if not the first Local Authority in Scotland to develop and launch an initiative like this and we want to thank all our partners for their support in making this happen.

“We are looking to hearing back from those individuals and families who receive a pack, as to what they think.”

Councillor Margaret Kennedy, Chair of the Fife Community Safety Partnership, added: “The simplicity of the idea is certainly obvious: however, the positive impact could be huge for those it is designed to assist.

“Every child deserves to feel safe and supported, especially in frightening situations.

“Project Embrace is a simple, compassionate and innovative step that could make a crucial difference in how emergency responders help neurodivergent young people during moments of crisis.

“I am sure that many families will take some comfort in knowing that if they are unable to respond that their child will be responded to appropriately and not unnecessarily increase any stress.”

Each distinctive cover contains an information card where parents or carers can record essential details such as communication needs, medical conditions, and emergency contacts.

In the event of a road‑traffic collision or other emergency - especially where a parent or carer is unable to speak on the child’s behalf - the cover ensures Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and members of the public can quickly understand how best to support and reassure the child.

Awareness-raising of the new pilot project within the emergency services in Fife has already taken place.

Inspector Adam Scott, from Police Scotland, said: “The seatbelt covers will assist officers attending Road Traffic Collisions involving people with learning difficulties, especially those who are non-verbal.

“It will help us provide the most appropriate help and support more quickly in what is already a stressful situation.

“We are pleased to work alongside partners in the rollout of the covers in Fife.”

Area Commander Lee Turnock is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Local Senior Officer for Clackmannanshire, Fife and Stirling.

He said: "Having immediate access to clear, relevant information can significantly improve how we respond to an incident.

"This initiative will support our crews in recognising individual needs and adapting their approach accordingly.

"It helps us deliver a more informed and compassionate response that can make a real difference for children and their families in an emergency."

Julie Shields, Scottish Ambulance Service’s Head of Service for Fife, added: “We welcome the launch of Project Embrace and the positive impact it has the potential to make for neurodivergent children and young people in emergency situations.

“Initiatives like this help us to deliver safe, person-centred care and reduce distress for both patients and their families.

“Having timely access to clear, personalised information can significantly support our emergency responders when responding to incidents. 

“We are pleased to be working alongside partners across Fife to support the rollout and will continue to raise awareness among our staff.”

If the pilot proves successful, Fife Community Safety Partnership hopes to source funding for a further 3,000 covers that can be distributed more widely.

Watch our video on the Fife Council YouTube channel to find out more: https://youtu.be/wAB1FJk88xg

Our photo shows left to right Dave Burt, Scottish Ambulance Service paramedic; Stacey Hodge, Watch Commander and Local Area Liaison Officer at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Inspector Adam Scott, Police Scotland; Tricia Spacey, Safer Communities Manager; and Cllr Margaret Kennedy, Fife Community Safety Partnership chair.