THE Worcestershire Falls Prevention Group is highlighting ways to reduce risk factors associated with falling, to coincide with national Older People's Day.

The Train the Trainer programme provides a better understanding, for those working with older people, about the impact falls can have on older people, and what can be done to reduce the risk.

People who have been trained become falls champions, who work in communities to spread the word.

Jackie Threshie, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s Falls Prevention Co-ordinator, said: “Falls are a major issue in Worcestershire, with 30 per cent of over 65s living in the community falling each year. This could be as many as 32,000 people every year. The consequences can be devastating and can lead to serious injury, disability and eventually death.”

The training covers eating well, keeping hydrated and exercise among more. People will also learn how to identify unnoticed risks around the house such as poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, trailing dressing gown cords and poorly fitting shoes and slippers.

National Older People's Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1.

For more information on how to prevent a fall, visit worcestershire.gov.uk and search falls prevention.