National Falls Awareness Week

 

 

A series of events aimed at helping older people stay fit, healthy and independent in later life has been organised by NHS Walsall Community Health to mark National Falls Awareness Week.

 

The aim of the drop in sessions, which will run across the Walsall between Monday 21 June and Friday 25 June, is to raise awareness about the risk of falling and to highlight the work relating to falls prevention in the borough.

 

There will be a range of information stands with information on falls and osteoporosis, safety in the home, foot care, healthy eating, physical activity, long term conditions, keeping warm, and mental wellbeing.  As well as information there will be a number of giveaways including free slippers, exchange of walking stick ferrules, and various other useful goodies. 

 

The venues, dates and times are as follows:

 

Date Venue Time
Monday 21 June

Blakenall Village Centre - PCT rooms 1 & 2

Anchor Meadow Health Centre - Reception

 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesday 22 June Darlaston Health Centre - Seminar room 9:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday 23 June

Walsall Market Stall

Old Square Shopping Centre

 9:30am - 3:00pm
Thursday 24 June

Brownhills Park View Centre - Community room above library

 9:30am - 3:00pm
Friday 25 June Pinfold Health Centre - PCT Rooms 1 & 2 9:30am - 3:00pm

 

 

Fran Hancock, Senior Health Promotion Specialist for Older People for NHS Walsall Community Health said: “We are really excited to be taking part in National Falls Awareness Week It’s important that we encourage older people to take part in appropriate physical activity, which is essential for healthy ageing, and also to be aware of other potential hazards and the simple steps they can take to reduce their risk of falling.”

 

Other organisations and activities for falls awareness week:

Manor Hospital – activities throughout the week including falls assessment awareness with staff, patient safe slipper assessment, information and awareness with hospital visitors including walking stick ferrule exchange and balance awareness.  Please speak to Ruth Davies or Jennifer Robinson at the Manor for further details (ruth.davies@walsallhospitals.nhs.uk or Jennifer.robinson@walsallhospitals.nhs.uk). 

 

Falls awareness information will also be available at the Age Concern Walsall road show (multi agency event aimed at helping older people in Walsall) on Thursday 24th June at Apna Ghar, Ford Street, Pleck, between 4.00pm and 8.00pm.  For further information contact Davina Lytton on 01922 638825

 

The Walsall Centre for Independent Living is also joining in to promote falls awareness week.  Activities on Wednesday 23rd June and Friday 25th June including free Active Steps taster sessions.  Please contact Roy Cadman on 01922 650791