Sloppy Slippers

A Scheme to bin 'sloppy slippers' to aiming to reduce falls among older people in North Lincolnshire.

The Crosby Bridge Healthy Living Project has teamed up with North Lincolnshire Council and the Healthier Communities Collaborative to hold a Sloppy Slipper Swap. People aged 65 and over were invited to pop into 195 Frodingham Road on Friday to swap their sloppy slippers for a new pair at the discounted price of just £3.

Anne Cook, community safety development worker for the project said: "For many older people, a fall can be a painful experience.

"Injuries from a fall can be worse than even the person themselves realises and it is important to ensure that everyone understands that a fall can be a serious issue."

According to the Department of Health's National Service Framework for Older People (2001), 14,000 people a year die in the UK as a result of a hip fracture and 400,000 older people in England attend accident and emergency departments following an accident.

However, some falls could be easily prevented if people are wearing a properly fitted pair of slippers.

Mrs Cook said: "A new pair of slippers can make people feel more secure when walking around their home.

"The difference between coming to the Pop In Place or buying them from a shop is that people can feel safe in the knowledge that they will have a decent pair that have been fitted properly."

District nurses were on hand to carry out free blood pressure checks and diabetes checks as well as book home safety checks which include a free smoke detector fitting and banister rails if people are 65 or over.

Activities were also on offer from Crosby Bridge staff such as arts and crafts, healthier food advice, the chance to access the internet and information about gentle physical activity such as walking groups.