A new, innovative programme launched at the onset of winter to support and prevent falls amongst adults at risk in Lanarkshire.
NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement Team worked alongside Hamilton Judo Club for Inclusion and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, to run this five-week programme where it combined gentle, adapted Judo-based movement sessions with health and wellbeing support.
Falls are one of the leading causes of unplanned hospital admissions for older adults in Lanarkshire, and this non-traditional approach could safely improve people’s confidence, balance and ability to recover from a fall.
Sessions included 45 minutes of improving balance, strength and safe falling techniques followed by a 30 minute ‘tea and chat’ with input from services including NHS Falls Hub, Podiatry, Pharmacy and more. The feedback from those who came along was extremely encouraging of the programme and the team are working towards running more sessions in the future.
Chris Simpson, Health Improvement Senior, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “As winter was approaching, our team wanted to do everything we could to help protect adults at risk of falls.
“I had met members of the Hamilton Judo Club locally where we spoke about the potential of this. By working together and building on the strengths and connections already in the community, their enthusiasm helped turn our conversations into a full programme.
“This project has shown that with the right partnerships, innovative approaches can be delivered safely and effectively in community settings. The confidence gained by participants over just five weeks was striking.”
John D’Ambrosio, Head of Coaching and Development, Hamilton Judo Club for Inclusion, added: “This wasn’t about martial arts – it was about practical movement, confidence and empowerment. Seeing people realise they can move more safely and recover from a fall has been incredibly rewarding.”
