The Active and Independent Living Improvement Programme (AILIP) “Take the Balance Challenge” falls prevention campaign is now underway.

The campaign is aimed at people who may be beginning to experience a decline in their strength and balance (predominantly those over 50 years old) and their family, friends and carers, along with health and social care professionals and third sector organisations who work with them.

Partners in the campaign include the Care Inspectorate (Care About Physical Activity Programme), Age Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University and Later Life Training.

The campaign will run until November, with various national activities taking place.

AILIP encourage people of all ages to promote the campaign and participate in activities.

They would also ask that people like the AILIP Falls Programme Facebook page, and post a film or photo of their balance challenges to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #takethebalancechallenge

The campaign’s messages are:

“Strength and balance exercises can help you to stay steady, whatever your age.”
“Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older – simple steps can reduce your risk.”

Campaign leaflets (credit card sized that unfold to a double sided A4) and posters (A4 and/or A3) are available to order from the AILIP website. There is also a guidance document with further information on the campaign and ways to take part in activities.

For further information, please contact Ann Murray by phone: 07833 095399, or email: ann.murray3@nhs.net