The South Eastern Trust, in partnership with local organisations and community groups, held its first Falls Prevention Roadshow aimed at older people to help promote awareness, information and guidance on learning the tools and strategies to reduce the risk of falls in the home.
Held in Ballynahinch Baptist Church Hall, the interactive event was an opportunity to offer older people community expert advice, practical tips as well as an energetic physical activity taster session from representatives from Down Leisure Centre before a hearty home-cooked lunch of freshly made soup and stew.
Ann McKevitt from Castlewellan shared how much she was enjoying the event and the chance to take part in chair aerobics courtesy of Down Leisure Centre’s Physical Activity Referral Co-ordinator, Arlene Johnston.
South Eastern Trust Community Falls Team Lead, Paul Leggett, gave a detailed presentation on how one third of people aged 65 and over are at risk of a fall. Paul discussed unseen dangers in and around the home that could lead to a person having a fall and what measures can be taken to ensure safety is paramount at home.
“It has been an incredibly positive event and great to see so many people turn out for the Roadshow. I am really happy to be part of the Falls Team within the Trust. The more we can engage with older people in our communities the better. Events such as this go a long way to getting the information out there. We have had representatives and information stands from all over including the Trust’s Respiratory Team, Parkinsons’ UK, NI Fire and Rescue Service, Specsavers and the local leisure team.
“It has been fantastic to see everyone engaging. Everyone knows someone who has had a fall or has experienced a fall for themselves. Today is about promoting falls prevention as much as we can.”
Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, Home Safety Coordinator, Charlene Piggott added, “I work very closely with the Falls Prevention Team and the aim of today is to provide people with the help and support that they need. We have had great interaction and a great turn out along with a session of physical activity which had everyone joining in.”