Fall-Proof Returns to the Spotlight Across Gloucestershire, Helping Older Adults Stay Strong, Steady and Independent

Active Gloucestershire is bringing Fall-Proof back into the spotlight, a countywide campaign designed to help older adults stay strong, steady and independent through strength and balance activity.

The renewed promotion of the campaign coincides with Falls Prevention Awareness Week (21-25 September 2026) and aims to raise awareness of the importance of strength and balance as we age, inspiring more people across Gloucestershire to take simple, practical steps to maintain their health, confidence and independence.

Developed by Active Gloucestershire in partnership with NHS Gloucestershire, Fall-Proof provides easy-to-access resources, practical guidance and information about local strength and balance opportunities across the county. This includes a free at-home strength and balance plan, exercise videos and ‘Move to Improve’ reminder cards designed to help people build simple activities into their everyday routines.

While many people assume that losing strength and mobility is an inevitable part of ageing, evidence shows that strength can be improved at any age. Regular strength and balance activity can help older adults stay active, maintain confidence and continue doing the everyday activities that matter to them.

A Countywide Approach to Healthy Ageing

Gloucestershire has an ageing population, making it more important than ever to support people to live healthy, active and independent lives. The Fall-Proof relaunch brings together partners from across the county, including community organisations, healthcare providers, local authorities and physical activity providers, all working towards a shared goal of helping people age well and reduce the risk and impact of falls.

During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Fall-Proof will shine a spotlight on five key messages that will continue to be promoted throughout the year:

• Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.
• Strength builds confidence and independence.
• Small actions make a big difference.
• It’s never too early to start, or too late.
• Strength can be built at home or in the community.

The campaign will also showcase the stories of Gloucestershire residents who have benefited from strength and balance activities, highlighting the positive impact improved confidence, mobility and social connection can have on everyday life.

Supporting Independence Through Movement

Kirsty Dunleavy-Harris, CEO at Active Gloucestershire, said:

“As our population ages, creating opportunities for people to stay healthy, active and connected to their communities has never been more important. The Chief Medical Officer’s guidance highlights strength and balance as essential foundations of healthy ageing, yet they are often overlooked.

Through Fall-Proof, we want to inspire more people across Gloucestershire to discover how simple activities can help them stay stronger, steadier and more independent for longer, enabling them to continue doing the things they love.”

Chris Davis, Strategic Lead for Health, Active Ageing and Disability at Active Gloucestershire, said:

“Fall-Proof is helping local people improve their strength, balance and confidence, while also bringing together organisations and communities across Gloucestershire around a shared goal of helping people age well.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, community leader, family member, carer or an older adult yourself, there are simple ways to build strength and balance into everyday life. This campaign is about showing that small actions can make a big difference and helping more people access the support and opportunities available within their communities.”

Alan Inman-Ward, CEO at Age UK Gloucestershire, said:

”At Age UK Gloucestershire, we believe that older people should be at the heart of the services and campaigns that affect them. Through our Voice of Older People Panel, we were pleased to contribute to the redevelopment of Fall-proof and help Active Gloucestershire ensure that the campaign is informed by the experiences and views of local older people.

Preventing falls is an important part of supporting people to maintain their independence, confidence and quality of life. Falls are also a significant cause of avoidable hospital admissions among older people, so raising awareness and encouraging practical prevention measures can make a real difference. We are delighted to support the relaunch of this valuable initiative, helping people to age well, their way.”

Bringing the Campaign to Life

Throughout Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Active Gloucestershire and its partners will share real stories from people across Gloucestershire who have experienced the benefits of strength and balance activity first-hand. Through local classes, community groups and at-home exercises, participants have reported improvements in confidence, independence, mobility and overall wellbeing.

By sharing these experiences, the campaign hopes to encourage more people to take their first steps towards becoming stronger, steadier and more active.

Get Involved

Fall-Proof is an ongoing campaign that supports older adults across Gloucestershire throughout the year. Falls Prevention Awareness Week provides an opportunity to amplify the campaign’s messages, showcase local success stories and encourage more people to access the resources and opportunities available.

Older adults, family members, carers, community groups and organisations are encouraged to explore the free resources available through Fall-Proof and help spread the message that strength and balance matter at every age.

Whether you’re looking to build strength at home, find a local class or support someone else on their journey, Fall-Proof offers simple and accessible ways to get started.

To find out more, access free resources and discover local opportunities, visit:

fallproof.me