Pioneering collaboration in Derbyshire brings falls classes close to home
People at risk of falling in a rural part of Derbyshire are benefiting from a long-term programme of exercise classes thanks to a pioneering collaboration.
People in Hartington, in the Derbyshire Dales, worked together with Age UK and a local yoga instructor to create a sustainable mobility class closer to home for their rural community.
It follows a village hall information day where local organisations explained the local health and care services available and asked what local people really wanted.
Helping to prevent older or more vulnerable people from falling emerged as a key priority.
Community volunteers Liz Broomhead MBE and Kay Baggley worked with Age UK to set up the classes.
Because they were co-developed with local people, the classes are now rooted into the needs and resources of the community.
Age UK initially provided its Live Stronger for Longer 13 week programme, through funding from Derbyshire County Council. This made the classes much more accessible than having to travel to the nearest town 12 miles away.
The funded classes came to an end in July, but they are now continuing with local yoga instructor Ann Kemp-Eyre.
Participants pay a small fee, but this is still cheaper and more accessible than travel to the nearest class 12 miles away.
It means dozens of people at risk of having a fall can continue to do regular strengthening activities to maintain their independence and prevent the potentially devastating and costly impacts of breaking a bone.
Liz said: “We understand our communities best, but we are not healthcare professionals, so we are working with the NHS, social care and the voluntary sector to provide the services people need.
“This insight led approach means that health commissioners listen to communities and that they are supported to find their own solutions. It means the intervention is more effective, health outcomes are better, and it is sustainable.”
Penny Jones, aged 76, joined after breaking her leg. She said: “I went to physiotherapy but that came to an end and I wanted to continue to build my strength.
“The class has done wonders for me and built my confidence in walking around, getting up and down steps and stairs.
“I do the exercises at home too, doing raises on my ankles and standing on one leg.”
The programme has now been rolled out to nearby Biggin and it was recently discussed at the ICB Board where the challenge of how to lift and shift the model to other areas was discussed.