BOPPAA takes part in Falls Awareness Event in Barnsley Market

The Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA) participated in an information event last Friday (22 September) in Barnsley Market as part of the national Falls Awareness Week.

The Falls Awareness Week event raised awareness around the risk of slips, trips and falls and provided practical support on how older residents can improve their mobility and stay active.

The event was organised by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT) and involved representatives from the BOPPAA, Barnsley Council’s Public Health team and Age UK Barnsley’s Social Inclusion Officers.

A BOPPAA Postural Stability Instructor, Lesley Featherstone, was also on hand to carry out Functional Fitness MOT (FFMOT) assessments with visitors to the event.  FFMOTs are an opportunity for participants to take part in some easy-to-do assessments that will give them an indication of their current functional fitness performance.  This helps people to think about their abilities (e.g., strength, balance, endurance and flexibility) and how well they are currently doing.  The Functional Fitness MOT also help people to make changes and take action on those things that are important to them in relation to their fitness.

There was also the opportunity for visitors to the event to view a new video about the impact that Falls Management Exercise (FaME) classes, run by Lesley Featherstone and Healthy Bones, are having throughout the Borough to improve people’s strength, balance and mobility.

Commenting, Age UK Barnsley CEO Debby Bunn said:

“We are really proud of the transformative work that the BOPPAA is doing in our communities to provide fun, friendly activities for older residents. We know that as people get older, they are at increased risk of falls – so initiatives like Falls Management Exercise Classes and Fitness MOTs are vitally important to improving strength and mobility and keeping people fitter, healthier and more independent for as long as possible.”

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said:

“We want to make sure our communities have the information and support they need to stay safe and steady this winter. It was great to see BOPPAA and other organisations working with older people in Barnsley Market on Friday, helping people learn more about the simple ways they can reduce their risk of falls.

“Whether you’re looking to make a splash at aqua aerobics or fall in love with a walking version of your favourite sport, BOPPAA offers fun, social ways to stay active in your community. Have a look at their online directory and see what’s on offer in your local area.”

Commenting, Hannah Robertson from the South West Yorkshire Foundation Trust said:

“The impacts of falls can be lifechanging and can limit quality of life significantly. We have seen this consequence much more clearly since the covid19 pandemic. Working together for falls and frailty is more important than it has ever been.

“Collaborative working with our BOPPAA partners provides a pathway of falls-specific care, transitioning a person from NHS falls care into BOPPAA classes. At the classes, a person can continue to work on their therapy goals whilst being in an enjoyable, sociable and supported environment. This is something to be celebrated”.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

• The BOPPAA is a local partnership, led by Age UK Barnsley and funded by Barnsley Council, that brings together over 60 independent physical activity providers to deliver activities, groups and events all designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing for residents aged 50 and over.
• A full programme of BOPPAA events and activities can be found via the Age UK Barnsley website: https://boppaa.ageukbarnsley.org.uk/ or by calling 01226 776820.
• The BOPPAA also provide an information booklet on the events programme, which is available on request from Age UK Barnsley and is currently being distributed at events across the Borough.