Kirkgate Market event to help reduce the number of falls in older people

Leeds City Council is hosting a falls prevention event at Kirkgate Market on Tuesday 1^st October, 10am to 4pm to help older people stay on their feet and out of hospital.

Sadly, estimates show that a third of people aged 65 and over will fall at least once this year. As they get older, falls, trips and slips can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones and hip fractures – which can have a significant impact on older peoples’ confidence and independence.

Organised in tandem with the NHS and a network of external partners, the event forms part of Falls Prevention Week and the International Day of Older Persons. Visitors will be encouraged to take part in a range of strength and balance-based activities which will highlight some of the simple steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of older people falling.

This free event is one of many being organised across the city for Falls Prevention Week, which aim to support initiatives already in place to help prevent slips and trips. Leeds City Council currently offers exercise programmes with a focus on improving balance and increasing confidence – ensuring older people at risk of falls have access to effective and safe classes.

Those visiting the event will have the opportunity to speak to some of the valued groups who work with and support older people across the city. Care and Repair, Age UK Leeds, the William Merritt Independent Living Centre and Carers Leeds are just some of the organisations that will be on hand to offer help, advice and signposting.

The event is part of a wider programme celebrating the International Day of Older Persons which, this year, has a theme of ‘being age friendly’. A number of events will be taking place throughout the week commencing 30^th September, including live music; arts and crafts; photography; gardening; and gentle exercise – hosted by the Leeds Older People’s Forum.

For over 20 years, since 1998, Leeds has celebrated the annual International Day of Older Persons by organising a variety of events to showcase the wide range of organisations that support the older community across the city.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults said:

“We have a bold ambition to make Leeds the best city for health and wellbeing – and a vision for our city to be a healthy and caring place for all ages. Reducing the number of preventable falls among older people is a crucial part of the work we do to support healthy ageing and ensure Leeds is an age friendly city.

“The event at Kirkgate Market is a great way for our older community to get practical advice on the steps they can take to prevent falls; it is also a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness amongst the wider community on how we can all support older people to maintain their independence. I am delighted that we are able to support such an important agenda.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment said:

“Leeds Kirkgate Market is a fantastic and popular destination for food lovers and shoppers alike, with its central location attracting a high footfall. This makes it a perfect area to host events like this one – to raise awareness of important issues and help drive forward our best city ambitions. Our market is a buzzing hive of activity and previous events have seen great success here - I have no doubt that this event will be the same.”

ENDS