Sunderland is marking Falls Prevention Week, from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September, by celebrating a major improvement in the falls rate among the cityβs older residents.
The city has improved from being ranked 150th out of 151 areas in England for falls, the second highest falls rate in the country, to 75th out of 151 in 2024-25.
This improvement means that Sunderland's falls rate is now below the national average for the first time.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in later life, affecting around one in three adults aged over 65 and half of those aged over 80 each year. In Sunderland, it is estimated that between 35,000 and 40,000 falls occur annually.
To help continue this progress, Sunderland City Council alongside partners North East and North Cumbria ICB and Sunderland Multiagency Falls Group, are promoting the new Steady on Your Feet Sunderland website.
Steady on Your Feet provides free falls prevention advice, support and a personalised online self-assessment tool to help those at risk of falling better understand how to protect themselves.
Since its launch in June, the website has already attracted more than 1,000 users, with dozens of residents completing assessments and creating personalised action plans.
Sunderlandβs success in preventing falls has been driven by initiatives including falls awareness training for more than 800 health, social care and care sector staff, specialist strength and balance exercise programmes being offered to residents most at risk, awareness campaigns and close partnership working across health and social care organisations.
Pradeep Chockalingam, Sunderland City Council's Falls Coordinator, said:
Falls are a common cause of injury but many can be prevented by taking simple steps early.
Weβre so proud of the progress Sunderland has made in improving its falls rate over the last few years but we know there's still more to do, and thatβs why the councilβs falls prevention team will be out in communities meeting people.
Weβre also delighted to be promoting the Steady on Your Feet website, which gives residents easy access to trusted advice and practical support to help them stay active, independent and confident for longer.
As part of Falls Prevention Week and beyond, the council's Falls Prevention Team will also be visiting Digital Health Hubs across the city to help residents learn more about falls prevention and complete the online self-assessment, particularly those who may not have access to the internet in their homes.
Cllr Jonathon Emerson, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services, said:
Falls can have a devastating impact on a person's confidence, wellbeing and independence, often affecting their ability to live safely and independently at home. The good news is that many falls can be prevented through early intervention, practical support and greater awareness of the risk factors.
Sunderland's remarkable improvement in falls prevention demonstrates what can be achieved when council services, the NHS, care providers and community partners work together with a shared commitment to improving people's lives.
While we are proud of the progress made, we remain focused on helping even more residents access the advice, support and tools available to reduce their risk of falling.
The Steady on Your Feet website is an excellent resource that empowers people to take positive steps to protect their health, maintain their independence and stay active for longer. I would encourage residents, their families and carers to take a look and make use of the support available.
Residents can find out more and complete a free falls risk self-assessment at sunderland.steadyonyourfeet.org
