Real Nappy Event

Thursday 6 December, The Tolbooth, Stirling

Iain Gulland welcomes the delegates

Evelyn Mitchell, Changeworks

Sue Terras presentation

Claire Jack

Over 40 delegates met at the Tolbooth on Thursday 6th December to discuss the Real Nappy Programme, which aims to reduce waste by promoting real nappies. Started in 2005 the programme is now at the stage of developing a Best Practice Toolkit for new and existing projects.

The purposes of the event was to give an overview of the Real Nappy Programme coordinated by CRNS and disseminate best practice guidelines and models for working with the NHS, the Private and Public Sector, Local Authorities and Community groups.

The day provided delegates with a wide range of strong speakers from within Scotland including Evelyn Mitchell the Information Development Officer for the Changeworks Evelyn Mitchell or Daniel Prince

Waste Prevention Team who discussed the Real Nappy Best Practice Guide (BPG), a website designed to provide an extensive range of best practice guidance notes, templates and contacts for networking. If you would like to input into the BPG please contact

The support projects receive from their Local Authorities can vary quite substantially and Sue Terras, Real Nappy Officer for the Perth and Kinross Real Nappy Network explained how their network had developed a strong working relationship with Perth and Kinross Council and the various incentive schemes they employed to encourage real nappy usage including the trail pack scheme which was funded through INCREASE.

Claire Jack, Real Nappy Officer at Forth Environment Link discussed the considerations when setting up a new project including engaging with health care professionals, promoting the project, incentive schemes, attracting and maintaining volunteers and the importance of monitoring results.

Lorna Ward spoke about how the Dundee Real Nappy Project had promoted real nappy usage in their area including partnership working with other local stakeholders and running events but emphasised promoting real nappies was not a short term activity and it can take several ‘hits’ to get a parents to make the change.

Delegates also heard and discussed issues relating to operating in a rural area and managing volunteers from the perspective of Penny Lawson who started the award winning Highland Real Nappy Project as a volunteer 6 years ago. Penny discussed the vital role their network of 21 volunteers play and the benefits of using local contacts that are ‘Real parents’ as advocates for the project.

Helen Brown, Scotland Coordinator-Real Nappy Programme at the CRNS suggested credit unions as an affordable solution to the initial upfront costs, which can be a barrier to low-income families. Many credit unions offer range of services including low cost loans, current accounts, ISAs and Child Trust Funds.

The seminar concluded with delegate discussing the opportunities and barriers of real nappy promotion and activities, how to monitor and evaluate these activities. Iain Gulland, event Chair and CRNS Network Director gave an update on future funding and how this will impact on new and existing projects.

The CRNS would like to thank Forth Environment Link for their assistance and support of this event.

CIWM logo Approved by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, this conference provided half day towards the Institution’s Graduate Structured Education & Training Programme,
or
4 hours of Continuing Professional Development.