Service users and staff put their best foot forward for Falls Awareness Week

Services from across the Trust held a series of events and activities to mark this year’s Falls Awareness Week which took place from 17-21 June.

Falls Awareness Week, led by Age UK, takes place every year and offers an opportunity for older people, relatives and carers to find out more about falls and how best to prevent them. The theme for this year was ‘healthy feet’ and encouraged people to keep feet healthy to maintain mobility and independence.

To support the week, Barnsley’s falls and osteoporosis service held an event in Barnsley town centre and invited local people to attend and find out more about falls, foot health and services in place to help. Jan Kitchen, clinical falls specialist said, “Our event made people aware that falls aren’t an inevitable part of getting older. We met local people and talked about the risks of falls and promoted simple ways to reduce them.”

Older peoples services in Wakefield also held events for inpatients at Savile Park, Chantry Unit and The Poplars. The events included a group session with information on devices available to help prevent falls, a visit from a podiatrist who spoke to patients about foot health along with tai chi and walking groups.

Find out more about fall prevention and support available at www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek