Did you know? Nationally, around 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and over experience a fall each year.
Falls can cause injury, affect confidence, and make it harder to stay independent. To mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week (21 to 25 September 2026), Ealing Council and local NHS partners will be hosting free information sessions across the borough to help people stay safe and well.
Falls are also one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among older adults. The impact can be physical, emotional and social. But, many falls can be prevented.
The council’s free online My Staying Steady Guide is a handy tool to help residents check their risk of falling and find simple ways to stay safe at home. The free information sessions are also a great chance to pick up practical tips from experts on preventing falls and staying independent.
What to expect
At the sessions you can:
• learn how to cut your risk of falling
• find out about local NHS, council and community support
• watch demonstrations of strength and balance exercises
• hear from local residents who have improved their strength, balance and confidence
• speak directly with physiotherapists and the NHS falls service
Come along
- Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road, Greenford, on Thursday 17 September, from midday to 2pm. Register online.
- West Acton Community Centre, Churchill Gardens, on Thursday 24 September from
midday to 2pm. Register online. - Havelock Community Centre, Willowbrook Road, Southall, on Tuesday 29 September, from
midday to 2pm. Register online. - Perceval House, 14 to 16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, on Thursday 1 October, from
midday to 2pm. Register online.
All venues offer step-free access.
’Just go for it’
Many residents already take part in StayActive4Life strength and balance sessions, which help older people improve their mobility, confidence and independence.
Sue Scott, 88, has been attending the classes and says she wishes she had started earlier.
She said: “I think they’re marvellous. You must keep moving at a certain age. I’m 88 now and I should have done this years ago.
“They really do help to keep it all moving and your weight down. I find my balance is OK at the moment.
“Just go for it. We have people at the classes who have dementia, and people who can hardly move at all. You sit on a chair and it’s up to you what you do. It’s really very good.”
Peter Kahn, 75, attends the sessions twice a week. He has a neurological condition that affects his balance and says the classes have made a real difference.
He said: “They’re hard work but that’s one of the things I enjoy. I enjoy the company and I enjoy being pushed,” he said.
“The classes have helped give me better balance and confidence. On the rare occasion that I do fall, I’ve learned how to stagger and be more careful. The lessons from the sessions are now engraved in my mind.”
Peter said the classes are about learning skills that help people stay active as they get older.
He added: “Our bodies tend to slow down as we get older. It takes commitment but it’s worth it. I’ve told all my friends. Some do it and some don’t. Even if they do feel embarrassed, you can’t die from embarrassment.”
Looking ahead
The information sessions being held over the next few weeks follow the publication of the council’s new Falls Prevention research which looks at the effect falls have across the borough and identifies opportunities to improve prevention and support.
The research found that the borough’s ageing population is likely to increase demand for falls prevention services in the coming years. It recommends raising awareness of falls and healthy ageing, identifying people at risk earlier, and increasing access to evidence-based strength and balance programmes that have been shown to reduce falls.
Work is now beginning on a new Falls Prevention service for residents aged 50 and over, as part of a new healthy ageing initiative. The proposed service will focus on awareness raising and strength and balance support. The service is expected to launch next year.
‘Many falls can be prevented’
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “Falls can seriously affect people’s health, confidence and independence, but many falls can be prevented through simple steps and regular physical activity.
“We want to help residents stay safe and steady for longer. Whether that’s by attending one of our information sessions, using the My Staying Steady Guide or accessing local support, there are practical things everyone can do to reduce their risk of falling.
“Our new Falls Prevention research is helping us better understand local needs and shape future services, so that more residents can stay active, healthy and independent as they get older.”
