MEMBERS of a campaign to highlight dangers to elderly people from falls will hope to raise awareness at two events in North Yorkshire this month.

NHS North Yorkshire and York will hold falls prevention stands at the Co-Op stores in Bedale, on June 23, and Richmond, on June 25.

Organised as part of a national awareness campaign, run by Age Concern and Help the Aged, the events run from 10am to 2pm on both days.

Information and advice will be available from the falls prevention service.

Advice on healthy ageing issues such as physical activity, osteoporisis, medication management and footcare will be available, as well as free blood pressure checks.

Hundreds of other events are expect to take place across the UK to mark national falls awareness day, on June 23.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "Just one fall can devastate an older person’s life.

"Aside from the serious effect on long-term mobility, it can make that person too afraid to leave their home or to get out and about as they did before.

"Falls are also the greatest cause of accidental death among older people.

"It is good news that events, such as information stands at local supermarkets, help to show that there are simple, practical steps we can take now to avoid falls in later life.

"These events are a vital way to encourage older people to get their falls risk assessed by a local falls service and help maintain their independence."

Angela Abel, falls prevention practitioner for the Richmondshire area, said: "There is a clear need to improve awareness and to inform the older person, and future fallers, with the message that falling is not just part of getting older and can be preventable.

"We need to reassure them that reporting a fall to a healthcare professional does not mean that they will be moved away from their own home and into residential care.

"My role, along with others, helps to enable more patients to live more safely in their own homes."

Supporters of national falls awareness day can take part in a sky-dive in aid of Help the Aged.

For more information, call 020-7239-1964, text Dive to 82100 or visit helptheaged.org.uk/events Information about national falls awareness day can be found at helptheaged.org.uk/fallsday