STAFF from the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust will be joining other healthcare professionals across the country next week to raise awareness of falling.

Falls are the most common and serious type of accident for people aged 65 and over and every minute, six people over 65 will suffer a fall in the UK.

These are frequently life changing affecting people’s health, confidence and independence, with around one in 10 older people becoming afraid to leave the house in case they fall again.

Fortunately there are things that can be done to lower the risk of a fall, including checking the home for trip hazards, doing exercises to improve balance, core stability and leg strength and wearing supportive non-slip footwear.

The Falls Therapy Service are holding a number of free to attend events across the county to help anyone who is concerned about falling. Attendees will hear about the why falls happen, how to get up from a fall and how to reduce the risk of falling.

Lisa Manning, physiotherapist and team leader for the Falls Therapy Service said: “Falls are a common occurrence, but they do not need to be an inevitable part of growing older.

"If someone is having falls or is fearful of falling they should always discuss this with a health professional, such as their GP, nurse or therapist.

“Falls are a growing area of concern but we hope that these events will give people information about how to remain healthy, active and independent no matter what their age may be.”

The service will meet at whitchurch Hospital on Monday, October 28 from 2pm to 3pm, the Cambrian Medical Centre in Oswestry on Tuesday, November 5 from 2pm to 3pm and in Ellesmere Library on Monday, November 18 from 2pm to 3pm.