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RoSPA project receives cash boost to reduce fall injuries
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is to receive £725,360 over three years towards a lifesaving project aimed at reducing the number of people killed and injured by falls at home.
The grant from the Department of Health will help the safety charity deliver a multi-layered approach to preventing falls in a bid to reduce the likelihood of death and injury in those most at risk.
The project, called Stand Up, Stay Up aims to raise awareness while supporting organisations to maximise impact of falls prevention in their local communities, promote their services and train staff and volunteers in how to prevent falls.
RoSPA, which has been at the heart of accident prevention in the UK and around the world for almost 100 years, will invite communities, individuals and all those who work with older people to join up to a major programme to raise awareness and prevent falls.
The risk of falling increases for people over 65, while those over 75 are the most at risk of a fall, suffering both the highest mortality rate and the most severe injuries.
Sheila Merrill, RoSPA’s public health adviser, said: “Falls are by far the single largest cause of A&E attendances. They affect most families and destroy the quality of life for those who suffer them. There are more than 4million A&E attendances leading to 333,000 hospital admissions for accidents to people over 65, this is why we are absolutely delighted to receive this funding to help tackle the issue.
“Falls prevention is about making sure that when people stand up, they stay up, reducing the rising number of people requiring hospital attention as a result of a fall.
“We look forward to working with local organisations to help to reduce the number of falls in their areas.”
Materials will be available through RoSPA’s website to support the programme. The project will also work more closely with partners in up to 10 local authority areas to build innovative programmes to reduce falls and provide people with the knowledge and support they need to keep themselves safe. Applications will shortly be invited from local partners interested in becoming involved in the programme.
The money comes from the Department’s Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development (IESD) fund.
