New Oxfordshire campaign aims to prevent falls and protect independence

A new campaign, led by Oxfordshire County Council and local system partners, is underway to reduce falls and resulting injuries among older people and promote confidence and independence.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) reports around 3,000 falls and frailty-related 999 calls every month. Falls among people aged 65 and over are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion annually.

The good news is that many falls can be prevented through simple steps such as strength and balance exercises, home safety checks, and regular health reviews.

Running throughout winter and into spring, the campaign will share practical advice and signpost residents to local support services, including:

• Age UK Oxfordshire’s exercise and information programme, Stay Strong and Steady
• Active Oxfordshire’s Move Together initiative - a county-wide programme designed to help people, especially those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or who are inactive, become more physically active and improve their wellbeing.
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Prevention Service - offers a one-off multifactorial assessment to create a personalised risk management plan for reducing falls
• Home Improvement Agencies - help older, disabled, and vulnerable residents live safely and independently in their own homes. Grants and practical advice are available to help clients with repairing, maintaining or adapting their home:
• Oxford City Council
• Cherwell District Council
• South & Vale District Council
• West Oxfordshire District Council

Activities throughout the campaign will include community events, social media updates, leaflet drops at GP surgeries, and partnerships with local organisations.

This initiative is part of a broader, county-wide programme of work to prevent falls, reduce falls-related hospital admissions and promote independence. This programme is supported by local partners including Age UK Oxfordshire, district councils, Active Oxfordshire, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB).

Cold weather brings additional hazards that can increase the risk of falls. Ice, snow, and wet surfaces make pavements and outdoor areas slippery, while shorter daylight hours can reduce visibility.

Residents are encouraged to take extra care when out and about, wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and allow extra time for journeys. Simple precautions, like clearing paths, using handrails, and planning routes, can make a big difference in staying safe during winter.

Cold indoor temperatures can also exacerbate arthritic symptoms, reducing strength and dexterity. This decline in physical function increases susceptibility to falls.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “A fall can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, but the good news is that most falls are preventable.

“By making small changes, like improving home safety and staying active, we can help people remain confident, independent, and safe. This campaign is about giving residents the tools and support they need to live well and reduce the risk of falls.

“But it’s not just about to ways to improve stability when individuals are already frail, it is about creating a society where people are able to live active lives, so they enter older age fit and healthy.

“This is why, as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, I have very keenly supported active travel and public transport initiatives, and why, at a district level, I advocate strongly for better place making in new housing schemes. Only by encouraging active healthy lives can we prevent or lessen falls in old age.”

Paul Ringer, CEO at Age UK Oxfordshire said: “Falls can happen to anyone, and winter brings extra risks with slippery conditions and shorter daylight hours.

“But together, we can change that. Our goal is simple: to help people feel safe, confident and connected in their homes and communities. By sharing practical advice and working in partnership, we can reduce falls, support healthy ageing, and protect independence.

“This isn’t just about preventing accidents – it’s about giving people real choice and control over their lives, while easing pressure on vital services across Oxfordshire."

Residents and carers can find advice and resources on the Live Well Oxfordshire website, including exercise guides, home safety tips, and details of local classes.

For more information, please visit the Live Well Oxfordshire website.

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