Research into a programme that has helped more than 3,000 older adults improve their balance and stability has won a national award.
Steady steps helps people who have had a fall, or are at risk of falls, to reduce their risk through a 24-week programme, and is delivered by Active Together, which is funded by Leicestershire County Council’s public health team.
The research took place with the University of Nottingham and showed that steady steps has been successful in seeing a significant reductions in falls and improvement in balance and strength amongst participants, highlighting the benefits of the programme.~~
The findings have played a critical role in shaping the service for Leicestershire residents. The success of the steady steps also helps to keep older people out of hospital, helping to ease pressure on the NHS.
At the Association of Director of Public Health Awards, the county council won the ‘Research Award’ category for the insight into steady steps, with the award collected by director of public health, Mike Sandys.
Findings in the research have also featured in a recent World Health Organisation Step Safely report.
“We’re delighted with this award and it shows that we’re taking the right approach to supporting Leicestershire residents.
“The research we have undertaken highlights that steady steps is working, it’s helping to improve the quality of life for people and it’s helping the NHS.
“Programmes like this can only be successful because of those delivering them and researching how effective they are, so I’d like to thank everyone involved for their work.”
Person:Councillor Michael Squires, Cabinet Member for Health