Introduction from Sue Banton, Director of steps

Some of you might be thinking "Didn't steps hold a Baby Hip Health Week in 2004?" and yes, you would be right. However, reading stories like Amy Louise's (featured in the latest copy of our magazine), and the many similar stories which reach us via our helpline, made me realise why it is so vitally important that we continue to raise awareness.

Hip conditions in babies are often hidden, and after the 6-8 week check, there may be no more routine physical hip checks on your baby, which is why it is so important that parents are aware of what to look out for.

To make the week more accessible and fun for everyone, we are also asking you to "Put the Kettle On" for steps. Take a break with friends or colleagues and help to raise funds for steps so we can continue to help children and "people who can't take walking for granted". I do hope to hear from you and that you will be signing up for our week in February.

Want to read about other families experiences? Download the stories from the column on the right.

For more information or to register your interest download the documents on the right or you can email us on info@steps-charity.org.uk

My child doesn’t have DDH, can I still “Put the Kettle On” for steps?
Yes, you can!  Everyone is welcome to “Put the Kettle On”.   All children in the UK have their hips checked at some point,  the issue concerns every family with young children, so it’s all about raising awareness and knowing  what to look out for.  The more people who get involved the better it will be!

What do I have to do?
It’s really simple; just invite friends, family or work colleagues  either to your home or a work place and “Put the Kettle On”   The kettle could go on in the morning,  the afternoon or the evening and it’s entirely up to you how many people you invite.  You can either sell tickets (to include a beverage -  either tea or coffee – keep it simple!) or charge on the day.  If you can recruit someone to provide some home-baked goodies these are really popular but if you don’t know of any Nigellas to call upon, there’s always the trusted chocolate digestive!

When should I hold it?
Anytime during the week 24 February – 1 March.

How much should I charge?
We suggest you charge £2 for a beverage and cake/biscuit but it’s entirely up to you.  A good idea would be to hold a raffle during the event, this way you could sell tickets to people who aren’t able to attend,  but who would be willing to buy a raffle ticket instead (friends or small local businesses are great to approach for small prizes that they would be happy to donate).

Who should I ask?
Anybody and everybody!  Put up a poster advertising  ‘Put the Kettle On’ or just tell people that you are holding an event to support the steps charity, the more people who know about it the better.

It’s difficult for me to hold a ‘Put the Kettle On’ event, but I would like to raise baby hip health awareness.
This is simple, all you need to do is distribute the steps Baby Hip Health Awareness leaflets to clinics, GPs and hospitals. You might also want to contact your local press – contact us for more information.

What do I do next?
Email us at  info@steps-charity.org.uk or download the interest form (on the right) and complete and return it to us and we will send you a pack to get you started.  Thank you!

Find an event in your area, click here