Free prevention events to reduce falls

EAST SUSSEX residents will be able to find out more information about how to reduce their risk of having a fall at one of four drop-in events taking place across the county this autumn.

Those attending one of the events will gain access to useful information on how to prevent falls and find out about local exercise classes and activities. Residents will also be able to seek advice about home exercises for improving strength and balance as well as being gifted a free pair of anti-slip slippers.

The free events mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week and are organised by East Sussex County Council’s Public Health team between September and November.

Councillor Mark Estcourt, lead member for adult social care and health at East Sussex County Council said: “As we get older, we start to lose muscle and bone strength and lose our balance which contributes to risk of future falls. One in three people over the age of 65 have a fall each year, increasing to half of all adults over the age of 80 (one in two).

“East Sussex has the highest proportion of adults over the age of 85 in the country, so this represents a large proportion of people.

“However, falling is not an inevitable part of ageing – activities that build your strength carried out two or more times a week, greatly reduces the risk of suffering a fall and helps people to stay strong, steady and independent.”

Following the Prevention Awareness week, drop-in events will be held at the following locations:

  • De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill - Wednesday, September 30 from 11am to 3pm
  • White Rock Theatre, Hastings – Thursday, October 8 from 1pm to 3pm
  • The Towner, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne – Friday, October 23 from 1pm to 3pm
  • Hillcrest Community Centre, Bay Vue Road, Newhaven – Thursday, November 12 from 1pm to 3pm

Cllr Estcourt added that in 2024/25 East Sussex had a higher-than-average emergency admissions rate for falls in the over-65s compared to the UK average.

He said: “We want to help prevent this type of incident from happening to our residents in the first place and so we would encourage particularly older adults living in the county to attend one of these useful events to help future-proof their health - and whilst there don’t forget to pick up a free pair of slippers.”

More information about reducing the risk of falls can be found at:  Reduce your risk of falls | East Sussex County Council.

For more information about strength and balance activities in your local area visit: Stay strong, stay steady, stay independent | East Sussex County Council.

Notes to editors:

In 2024/25, East Sussex had a higher-than-average emergency admissions rate for falls in the over-65s compared to the UK average (2,320 per 100,000 vs 1,958 per 100,000). Every district and borough area has a higher-than-average rate of hospital admissions:

  • Hastings: 2,494 per 100,000
  • Lewes: 2,359 per 100,000
  • Eastbourne: 2,325 per 100,000
  • Rother: 2,294 per 100,000
  • Wealden: 2,246 per 100,000

ENDS

Falls Pic

Public Health

Rebecca Durrant

Wednesday, 30 September 2026