Belfast City Council’s Home Safety Officer, Aoife McAteer, in conjunction with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Podiatry Department, Engage with Age and Volunteer Now have co-ordinated a “Foot Care for Falls Prevention” project.

The Public Health Agency funded project will be delivered to over 600 seniors from 38 community groups across Belfast by March. During the events; the Podiatrist from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust discussed foot pain, provided advice on how participants can manage foot pain and discussed the importance of good supportive footwear. The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the event.

Looking after your feet is an important factor in reducing the risk of a fall. About one third of people over the age of 65 fall each year, yet around 50 percent of falls are known to be preventable.

The sessions are fully subscribed, however, if you would like information on preventing a fall or to be referred to a range of services for older people (including the Belfast Home Safety check and Repair Service) contact the Home Safety officer, Aoife McAteer on 028 9027 0428 or email mcateera@belfastcity.gov.uk