Falls Prevention In Your Area – A big guide to support near you

Worried about falling, or looking for advice for a friend or family member? There are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of a fall, and organisations that can help you stay safe and independent.

This guide brings together trusted information and services for people in Burnley & Pendle, Calderdale, Bradford and South Leeds. You don’t need to read everything: choose your area below to find relevant help.

Find local support

• Burnley & Pendle
• Calderdale
• Bradford
• South Leeds

Start with trusted advice

• NHS: Falls
  How to reduce your risk of falling, when to seek medical advice and where to find help following a fall.
• Age UK: Preventing falls
  Friendly, practical guidance on staying active, looking after your health and making your home safer.
• Age UK: Staying steady guide
  A free information guide, with options for printed, large-print and audio versions.
• Bluebird Care
  Our selection of falls-related advice on this website.

Small steps that can make a difference

Keeping active, building strength and balance, wearing well-fitting shoes, having your eyesight checked and keeping walkways free of clutter can all help. If you feel dizzy or unsteady, or have already fallen, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional. Ask for advice before starting exercises if you’re unsure what is suitable for you.

Burnley & Pendle

• Lancashire County Council: Avoiding falls
  Simple suggestions for staying steady on your feet and reducing everyday risks at home.
• East Lancashire Hospitals “Steady On” programme
  A non-clinical service that provides home assessments for anyone at risk of falling.
• Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS: Falls Prevention Service
  Information about specialist falls assessments, strength and balance support, and referrals. Ask the service or your GP whether this is the appropriate local pathway for your address.
• Lancashire County Council: Home equipment and support
  Advice about occupational therapy, equipment and adaptations to help people move safely around their homes.

Back to top

Calderdale

• Calderdale Falls Prevention Pack Download
  A falls very comprehensive prevention awareness pack produced by the Calderdale Falls Prevention Network
• Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Falls Prevention Serice
  The falls prevention team consists of Health Care Professionals such as Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists, who are supported by a team of Falls Prevention Workers who are speciality trained health care workers
• Calderdale Council’s Falls Index
  A guide to the support available in Calderdale to help prevent falls through a range of services
• Calderdale Council: Assistive technology
  Information on personal alarms, fall-detection sensors and other technology that can help people feel safer at home. Gateway to Care: 01422 393000.
• Calderdale Council: Support after accident, illness or injury
  Find out about short-term support and rehabilitation options for people who need help recovering or returning home.
• Active Calderdale: Active at Home guide
  A guide with gentle activity ideas for older people and people with lower mobility, including safety advice.

Back to top

Bradford

• Bradford District Care NHS: Falls Prevention
  Specialist assessment, strength and balance exercises, walking-aid advice and home safety recommendations for eligible people registered with a Bradford or Airedale district GP. GP referral is required. Falls team: 01274 251330.
• Bradford District Care NHS: Self-Help Falls advice
  A great selection of simple, easy things you can do to reduce your risk of falls, including tips, video and other resources
• Bradford Council: Safe and Sound
  24-hour alarm and response support for people who may need help after a fall or other emergency. Enquiries: 01274 435249. Charges may apply.
• Bradford Council: Safe and Sound equipment
  Explains wearable alarms and fall-detection devices, including how they alert the response centre.

Back to top

Leeds

• Active Leeds: Strength and Balance programme
  Community exercise sessions for eligible people aged 60 and over, including venues in South Leeds. For details and referrals call 0113 378 3680.
• Leeds Community Healthcare NHS: Falls service
  Specialist assessment for people with complex falls needs. Speak to your GP about a referral; this is not an emergency response service.
• Leeds City Council: Help alarms and safety at home
  Information about telecare, personal alarms and fall detectors, including available packages and costs.
• Leeds City Council: Equipment to help you live at home
  How to seek an assessment for equipment that can make daily tasks and moving around the home easier.
• Leeds City Council: Adapting your home
  Advice about possible home adaptations such as rails, ramps and accessible bathrooms, and support with funding where eligible.

Back to top

What should I do if I have a fall?

If you have fallen, try to stay calm and check for injuries. Do not try to get up if you may be seriously injured. Call 999 if someone is seriously injured, has signs of a stroke or heart attack, or cannot be moved safely. If you have fallen and cannot get up but do not appear seriously injured, use your alarm or phone to ask for help; NHS 111 can advise when urgent medical help is needed.

Even if you feel fine afterwards, tell your GP about a fall, particularly if it is unexplained or you have fallen more than once. They can check possible causes and discuss support.

Read NHS guidance on falls and getting help or read the NHS guide to what to do if you fall.

Finding the right help

Not sure where to start? Your GP practice can advise about local falls assessments and health services. Your council’s adult social care team can help with questions about equipment, adaptations and support at home. Some services require a referral, eligibility assessment or payment.

Please note: Services, referral routes, availability and charges can change. Please check directly with the provider before making arrangements. This directory is general information, not individual medical advice.