21-25 September 2026 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week
September 11, 2026
Staying active as we get older helps us stay connected to our community. And one of the best ways we can stay healthy and connected as we age is to prevent falls. The National Council on Aging recommends six steps to stay safe and help prevent falls.
Falls prevention is a team effort. It needs to be discussed with health professionals, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. Everyone wants to support older adults to maintain their mobility and reduce the risk of falling.
Use these six steps in your conversations with older adults to help raise their awareness and create positive action.
Step 1: Find a good balance and exercise program
Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Find a program you like and take a friend. We’ve included details of classes in Cumbria below.
Step 2: Talk to your health care provider
Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.
Step 3: Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist
Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
Step 4: Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses
Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.
Step 5: Keep your home safe
Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
Step 6: Talk to your family members
Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.
Resources to support practitioners
Print a copy of the National Council on Aging ‘Take Control of Your Health: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall’ infographic >> click here
We have collated a selection of information and resources related to frailty and falls which you can find on the website >> click here
Find a good strength, balance, and safe falling class in Cumbria
Barrow Area:
Otago
Otago is a set of 17 gentle, targeted strength & balance exercises done 3x per week. 5 strength and 12 balance exercises. Backed by research as part of a national study to improve health in older adults.
Classes are taking place at:
Walney Community Centre (Mondays at 1:30pm),
Barrow Leisure Centre (Thursday at 2pm) and
St Matthew’s Community Hall, Highfield Road (Friday at 11am).
Contact Lauren Booth for more information healthandfitness@barrowleisure.co.uk or call 01229 871146
Carlisle Area:
‘Move it or Lose it’ with Mish Tooby.
Classes in Longtown Community Centre (Monday at 10am),
Botcherby Community Centre (Monday at 1.30pm),
Denton Holme Community Centre (Tuesday at 11.30am and Friday 2.30pm) ,
Walton Village Hall (Tuesday 2pm),
Wetheral Village Community Hall (Thursday at 11am) and
Brampton Community Centre (Thursday 2.30pm)
Contact Mish Tooby 07972167874 www.movewithmish.co.uk Find Mish on Facebook
Rolling On
Rolling On is an eight-week supported rollator loan scheme that is designed to help increase mobility, reduce risk of falls, and encourage people to become more active in their everyday lives.
The scheme is person centred, working with the individual’s’ own goals. These may range from small, achievable targets, such as being able to walk to the end of their garden, to larger goals such as feeling confident enough to go shopping independently again.
An initial visit is carried out to assess the client’s suitability for the project, fit the rollator correctly, demonstrate how to use it safely and effectively. Our trained advisors can also signpost/ refer into other relevant services to ensure their holistic needs are met.
During the first four weeks, clients receive weekly support visits. These visits allow us to monitor progress, address any difficulties or concerns, reinforce safe use of the rollator, and encourage clients to continue working towards their individual goals.
For the remaining four weeks, clients use the rollator independently, allowing them to build confidence and incorporate this into their everyday routine without regular support.
At the end of the eight-week period, the client can reflect on their experience and determine whether using a rollator has made a meaningful difference to their mobility and independence The scheme also helps clients establish whether a rollator is a suitable long-term mobility aid for them.
Health and Social Care Professionals can refer into the project, by emailing demographic details and any relevant background information to admin@ageuknorthcumbria.org.uk
Watch: Learn how Ann in Carlisle regained her walking confidence by using a rollator for wheeled active travel >> click here
Copeland Area
Finding your Feet
Judo Knight
Monthly classes at Red Lonning Community Centre.
Contact Janice Knight on 07828116752 or by e-mail judoknight.janice@gmail.com for more information. Find Judo Knight on Facebook
Chair based exercise with Bella – The Healthy and Happy Coach
Wednesday mornings
11:15am – 12:15pm
Millom Cricket Club
Contact bella.e@gmail.com or search ‘The Healthy and Happy Coach’ on Facebook
Eden Area
‘Move it or Lose it’ with Pauline Ireland
Monday - Askham Village Hall 10.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday - Low Moor Evangelical Church, Low Moor Road. Wigton at 10.30am
Weds - Haydock community centre 0950 - 10.50am and 11am - 12pm
Thursday Wigton - Low Moor Evangelical Church, Wigton at 10.30am.
Contact Pauline on 07788979640 or search on Facebook
South Lakes
‘Move it or Lose it’ with Nicky
Fun exercise classes for the over 60s, designed to improve flexibility, aerobic, balance and strength. Exercises can be done seated, supported or standing - all without the need for floorwork
South Lakes Foyer, Kendal (Wednesday 10am)
Find more information on Facebook
Finding Your Feet
Safe Falling Project with Mike Liptrop – Kendal Judo Club
Learn how to fall safely and reduce injury risk. Improve balance, mobility and confidence. Fun friendly sessions for the senior community 55+
Tuesdays at 12:30m at The Dojo, Parkside Road Business Park, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7EN
Contact Mike on 07708 968194 or e-mail mike@kendaljudoclub.co.uk
Home exercises
It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if someone has never exercised, it is never too late to ‘close the fitness gap’ between how fit you are and how fit you could be, which will in turn help protect from falls.