A new dance project which helps prevent people over 60 from falling has launched in Blacon and Northwich.
Dance to Health, developed by Aesop, is delivered by Cheshire Dance at Deva Point in Blacon and Castle Community Centre in Northwich.
Falls are traumatic for older people and cost the NHS £2.3 billion per year.
Dance to Health combines two evidence and physiotherapy-based falls prevention programmes (named Fame and Otago) with the creativity, expression and energy of dance to reduce falls by up to 55%.
The twice-weekly dance programmes are friendly, sociable and creative environments, where participants have the chance to meet new people, learn a new skill, improve their confidence, creativity, strength and flexibility. The sessions last about an hour and refreshments are provided for the final 30 minutes.
Dance to Health is possible due to the support of AmicusHorizon Limited, Arts Council England, City Bridge Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, Jewish Care, Peter Sowerby Charitable Foundation and Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
The Blacon project is every Tuesday and Thursday, 11am-1pm at Deva Point, Blacon Point Place, contact: Alison Smith 01270 503 616 or email Alison.smith@wulvurn.org.uk
The Northwich project is every Tuesday 10am-12pm and Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Castle Community Centre, Barbers Lane, contact: Cheshire Dance 01606 861770.
