Active Steps
Active Steps is a new specialised exercise programme for people who have previously experienced a fall, are worried or at risk of falling. A number of sessions are being delivered at various venues across the borough, providing an opportunity for clients to take part in a supervised activity session in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The programme that is funded by NHS Walsall has been developed as part of NHS Wallsall's Falls Pathway and is delivered by Sport and Leisure Development Services.
The sessions aim to:
- Increase confidence and independence
- Improve balance strength, stamina, posture mobility and co-ordination
- Provide a fun, social environment to decrease isolation
- Provide information and support on addressing the issues surrounding falls
Programme Structure:
- A pre-programme health and falls questionnaire will be completed in order to help assess suitability and needs.
- Throughout the programme the instructors will work with clients to tailor exercies to ensure individual benefit and progression.
- At the middle and end of the 26 week programme clients progress will be re-assessed to provide most appropriate information and advice on what to do next. Instructors will be able to provide information on, and signpost to other programmes and services.
- Following a period after completion of the programme, clients will be contacted to see how they are, and to see if the programme can offer any further support.
The sessions are about an hour in length and follow a group format. They can be done seated or standing depending upon each client’s mobility levels. The individual exercises can be tailored by the instructor to meet a client’s specific needs.
All sessions are delivered by instructors who have experience in working with the target age group and are approriately qualified.
Alongside the exercise element, the instructor may also carry out information sessions focusing upon the risk factors for falling and how an individual can reduce their risk through simple changes to their lifestyle.
Please Note: If you ahve any medical conditions or are new to exercise, it is advisable to seek advice from your GP prior to starting
To access the sessions, clients can either:
- View the list of sessions and contact the session directly
- Access the Time To Change programme to receive support and advice on their suitability to join a session.
"Active Steps in Rushall" by Wendy Smith
- Pain in your ankles
- Aches in your back
- Tendons are throbbing
- Sinews are slack
- Biceps are twitching
- Eyes on the blink
- Ponder a moment
- Sit down and THINK
- There's 'Active Steps' in Rushall
- And laughter and fun
- The movements are gentle
- There's no need to run
- We're all shapes and sizes
- Have courage and come!
Case study
"I have been a member of an Extend exercise group for approximately eight years since I retired from nursing.
At around the time of joining the class I had a bone scan which diagnosed osteoperosis. I have recently undergone another scan which showed a marked improvement in my bone density and I may soon be able to stop drug treatment. I believe exercise has played an improtant part in this improvement.
I am noe a member of the Active Steps class, which I find even more beneficial in increasing my mobility and strength, the class is very enjoyable and I have made many new friends.
I can highly recommend this form of exercise to anyone thinking of joining.
Margaret Stevenson, Active Steps member.
Useful links
For more information, contact the Falls Prevention Physical Activity Team at Sport and Leisure Development Services on 01902 605500, or for further information on physical activities in Walsall visit 'Whats on Walsall', or for regular updates follow us on Twitter
Contact us
Sports and Leisure Development
Walsall Street
Willenhall
Walsall
WV13 2EX
Tel 01902 605500
Email sportsdev@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 02 February 2012