A NANTWICH-based health trust has launched a campaign to help prevent falls amongst elderly South Cheshire residents.

To mark National Falls Awareness Week, the Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust is working in partnership with a range of partners to host physical activity sessions for people aged 50 plus.

The project is supported by the borough council, Age Concern and Bannatynes gym and includes a variety of taster sessions available at reduced rates.
The scheme has been organised as part of the campaign run by Help the Aged to raise awareness of regular physical activity and it's beneficial effect in reducing falls.

The low cost or free sessions will be held at various community venues, leisure centres and private fitness centres across Crewe and Nantwich.

Available activities will include tai chi, Pilates, swimming, gentle exercise classes and instructor-led health walks.

The trust's assistant director of public health Trisha Stairmand said: "Sadly falls are still the biggest cause of accidental death for older people.

"Raising awareness about the impact that falls have on older people, their families and local services is still a critical issue.

"One person every five hours dies as the result of a fall.

"This campaign is about informing people that falls are not an inevitable part of getting older and that it is never too late to start reducing the risk of a fall.
"We are encouraging older people to become more active as there is strong evidence that being active on a regular basis can have a significant positive effect, reducing the risk of falls and associated injury whilst providing many other physical and mental health benefits."

Everyone who attends one of the taster activity sessions will be given a range of information to increase awareness about the many potential hazards presented in today's environment, both inside and outside the home.

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