An Aberdeen partnership has recently launched a new project to draw attention to the importance of strength and balance training for preventing falls. 

The initiative – ‘Stand Up To Falls’ – will highlight a series of exercise videos and useful online resources to help individuals who are at an increased risk of having a fall or are concerned about a friend or family member having a fall. The resources are free to access and available to anyone who may benefit from them.

Stand Up To Falls is as a collaborative effort between Sport Aberdeen, Bon Accord Care, ACVO and Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP).

The collaboration forms part of the wider working group ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ – focused on enhancing health and wellbeing, developing impactful community relationships, improving inclusion culture and reducing social isolation.

Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “It is so important that we collectively raise awareness of falls prevention in order to support our local community as best we can.

“The one simple way to reduce the risk of falls is through exercise, so the resources we’re providing include simple, easy to follow exercise videos for improving strength and balance. 

“We really hope our campaign will be a convenient one-stop source for beneficial information and tools to aid the prevention of falls.”

Pamela Mackenzie, Managing Director at Bon Accord Care, said: “Keeping active and preventing falls is key to retaining your independence at any age, but particularly as we get older. These exercises are a great way to support your strength and balance. A few minutes a day can make all the difference.”

Jayne Boyle, Senior Project Manager, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership said:

“Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be part of the ‘Stand Up To Falls’ campaign. We want our communities to achieve positive mental and physical health outcomes and this initiative offers access to easy-to-follow exercises, information and resources in one place, which will enable people to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to look after themselves and help prevent falls.

“By working together with partner organisations in ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’, we aim to move closer to achieving our aspiration of Aberdeen being one of the healthiest places to live in Europe.”

Janet Thompson, Occupational Therapist at Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, said:

“The culture of inter-agency working that exists between NHS Grampian, ACHSCP and Sport Aberdeen has remained resilient and productive throughout COVID-19. This is something very special and should be treasured.”

To find out more and view the full range of resources, head to the dedicated page on our website here.

Keep an eye on social media updates by searching for the hashtag #StandUpToFallsAberdeen.