Take “Positive Steps” with Papworth Trust during UK National Falls Awareness Week

Leading disability charity, Papworth Trust is supporting this year’s Falls Awareness Week  (21-25 June) with a “Positive Steps” Falls Awareness Day.  The event is taking place at the Trust’s West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre (WSDRC) at Moreton Hall Estate, Bury St Edmunds on Monday 21 June from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

With one in three people in later life suffering from a fall each year, (1) Age UK (Age Concern and Help the Aged) is encouraging older people to find out more about falls prevention and get involved in local activities.

The focus of this year’s National Falls Awareness Week is on strength and balance, raising awareness of some simple steps people can take to avoid a fall.

The event will be hosting information stands from Age Concern, Blood Pressure & Stroke Association and Sailability.   Visitors will also invited to take part in exercise taster sessions including Ballroom dancing, Chair based exercise and Tai Chi.   

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “The consequences of a fall in later life can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Injuries caused by falls are a leading cause of death amongst older people, (2) but despite this, falls are by no means an inevitable part of the ageing process.

“Last year we saw over 1,000 events taking place throughout the UK encouraging people to find out more about different ways they can stay active in later life, and we’re hoping to reach out to even more people this year. Events such as WSDRC’s “Positive Steps” are a vital way to encourage people to understand more about preventing the risk of a fall and maintaining their independence.”

For more information about “Positive Steps” Falls Awareness Day please contact:

Julie or Anna on 01284 748888, minicom 01284 748881 or email wsdrc@papworth.org.uk

(1) Masud and Morris, 2002. 
(2) Either as a direct or indirect consequence of a fall. Don’t Mention the F-Word, Help the Aged, 2005