Welsh Ambulance Service distributes CSP’s Get Up and Go falls prevention booklet

Philippa Ford, the CSP’s public affairs and policy manager in Wales, said: ‘The profession is absolutely delighted the Welsh Ambulance Service is now using the Get Up and Go booklet.

‘Developed by Saga in association with the CSP, it covers a range of falls prevention aspects and includes exercises for strength and balance, as well as guidance about getting up from a fall.’

Public Health Wales said one in three people over 65 fall every year, and more than half of people aged over 80 fall at least once a year. Most falls can be prevented without people having to stay indoors or cut back on their normal activities, it said.

Ann Potter from Swansea received the booklet after dislocating her hip. She said: ‘I wish that I had seen it before my fall. It’s been a great help to build up my strength and has made me more aware of the importance of keeping active. I follow the exercises in the booklet, and have made little changes like parking further away from the supermarket, and gardening.’