A person’s risk of falling can be lowered by simple preventative measures they take themselves. However, research finds that people don’t talk about falling before it happens. Even if a fall happens and they aren’t injured, they often don’t talk about it or start preventative activity.
You can help support the campaign by starting conversations and sharing campaign materials with people you support at work, people in your local community and your own friends and family.
Raise awareness of falls prevention
- talk to older clients, family and friends about ageing well and maintaining independence.
- ask if they had had a fall or trip in the past year, or are worried about falling
- get free copies of the falls prevention campaign materials, share them with older people and put leaflets/posters where they will be seen
Share the Campaign Toolkit with colleagues
Take part in falls prevention training
- Age UK Derby and Derbyshire are providing free training for Derbyshire County Council employees and volunteers. It is specifically aimed at those who have client facing roles
Tell community groups about the small grants pot
- groups could be eligible for £100 to 400 to help them raise awareness of falls prevention across local communities
Get familiar with local services so you can direct people to sources of help
- Age UK Derby and Derbyshire run Strictly No Falling classes, which offer a range of activities in local communities
- Live Life Better Derbyshire offer support to help people get more active and more social.
- Older people who are worried about falling should speak to their GP or nurse
To book on to training, order free resources or get more information about the campaign, email falls@uni.uk.net.