A team of pupils from Dunoon Grammar School is calling for help from members of the public after being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Apps for Good UK finals.

The youngsters beat of stiff competition from over 25,000 young people, from 1,250 establishments, to reach the final 10 with their innovative SafeStep idea. However, in order to win, the team needs members of the public to vote for them.

SafeStep is a life-saving idea formed by a group of S1 business and computing students, and is a range of ‘smart rugs’ for the home which have inbuilt pressure sensors that can decipher whether the user is standing on the rug or has fallen on it.

SafeStep includes a bedside rug that when stood on will automatically switch on lights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom. This reduces the risk of elderly users falling and hurting themselves during the night.

If the rug senses that someone has fallen on the rug a carer or loved on is notified on the SafeStep app and can make contact to make sure everything is okay.

The team, made up of Olivia Robertson, Rory Oxland, Caleb MacLeod and Abbi Paul, also created a SafeStep bath mat and welcome mat – specifically designed for dementia sufferers.

Argyll and Bute Counci’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Yvonne Mcneilly said: “I am absolutely delighted that a team of pupils from Dunoon Grammar School has reached the final of these prestigious awards. SafeStep is a wonderful idea and one which I’m sure could save many lives if created.

“I truly hope that the people of Argyll and Bute get behind the children and vote for their idea. I wish them every success.”

Voting closes on Monday 20 June, with the winner announced at the Apps for Good UK Awards 2017 held in London on Tuesday 21 June 2017.

To vote please visit: HERE