Strength and Balance Service for over 65 year olds.

Information for patients and referrers

What is the Strength and Balance Service?

We are a partnership between Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and Gateshead Council Public Health. The service targets over 65-year-olds who have a history of falls, a fear of falling and feel they are slowing down. You may have noticed that you’re a little slower than you used to be and need to rest more often, or that you need help with housework or shopping. Feeling unsteady on your feet and falling can reduce your confidence and limit what you feel able to do.

We aim to reduce falls and fear of falling, improve strength, balance, confidence and independence. By promoting Healthy Ageing in Gateshead, we hope to encourage our participants into lifelong participation in exercise and local community activities.

What we can offer

· Free 14- week-long strength and balance exercise classes at venues across Gateshead.

· A Therapist led home based falls risk assessment, to address individual needs for reducing falls risk and maintaining independence.

· Pre-class home based exercise therapy support.

· Information and support to join other appropriate local exercise and activity classes.

For individuals wanting to take part:

If you meet the criteria for the service, then please ask to be referred by your GP or any health professional