Rejuvenating exercise programme ‘Steady Steps’ launched

Health and care partners together with Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport are implementing a free postural stability exercise programme called Steady Steps with support from each of the localities across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Steady Steps is a 24-week programme tailored to those who have previously fallen or worry about falling and is designed to help improve balance and stability. Delivered by Level 4 specialised Postural Stability Instructors, the classes are tailored to each individual's abilities and will progress in difficulty throughout the programme.

People are eligible for the Steady Steps programme if they are aged over 65, are at risk of falling (e.g. have a high fear or falling or poor balance) or have fallen less than three times in the past 12 months.

Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health for Leicestershire said: "We know that experiencing a fall is one of the major concerns expressed by adults over the age of 65 and that falls can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life.

By doing regular exercise, people can improve their strength and balance and significantly reduce their risk of having a fall. The Steady Steps courses have been designed to help people improve their health and mobility, but they can also help reduce people's feelings of social isolation and increase their self-confidence."

The falls services provided by Leicestershire Partnership Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester are still available for more frequent fallers or people needing further investigations.

Pre-booking is required for all Steady Steps courses and local inclusion criteria are applicable. Due to the nature of the programme there will be a final intake date for all programmes.

The start dates for courses may vary across Leicestershire and Rutland, for full details of all available courses including dates, times and locations visit www.lrsport.org/steadysteps