EITC launches new Falls Prevention programme

EITC launches new Falls Prevention programme

Everton in the Community is supporting older adults and their physical well-being with a new programme which aims to reduce falls amongst the senior population in Knowsley. 
 
‘Safe and Steady,’ launched this week by Everton Ambassador Ian Snodin and Knowsley Council’s Cllr Christine Bannon, is an expansion of the charity’s older person’s provision and will support Knowsley residents who have experienced a fall as well as those at risk of falling.  
 
The programme, funded by Knowsley Council, will utilise the clinical expertise of the charity’s GP, Dr Chris Pritchard, and Everton in the Community’s dedicated falls prevention co-ordinator to assess and identify risk factors for falls before delivering a community-based strength and balance programme for patients to access at multiple sites across Knowsley.  

Ian Snodin aka ‘Snods’, who took part in the programme’s first session at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Centre, spoke in glowing terms after seeing the initiative in action. 
 
“It’s a great idea and it works on a number of levels” said the 58-year-old. “It gets people out and about and of course, any type of exercise is good for them. They all seemed to enjoy it and I am sure it will be another successful venture.”

In addition to the weekly physical activity sessions, the programme will also deliver a comprehensive range of healthy lifestyle education workshops and social enrichment activities for participants to engage in which will improve not only their physical health but also boost their mental well-being and overall quality of life. 
 
Highlighting the continued progress and expansion of Everton in the Community’s older persons provision, Health and Wellbeing Manager, Johnnie Garside, said: “This funding represents a significant step forward in the charity’s efforts to support older adults in Knowsley.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust to ensure a smooth handover of current patients to ensure older adults in Knowsley have access to the new programme enabling them to connect with like-minded people, improve their confidence and maintain their independence.” 
 
Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, added: “I am really pleased to welcome EitC to Knowsley to deliver the new Safe and Steady programme for people having falls or at risk of a fall. I have really enjoyed meeting the team and having the opportunity to watch a class demonstration.   
 
“This service will work in partnership with the newly commissioned Falls and Fracture Prevention Service (Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust) and will play a key role in contributing to the delivery of the borough wide Falls and Fracture Prevention Action Plan (2022-24).  I look forward to seeing the impact the programme has over the next two years.”