Basildon and Brentwood Slipper Swaps

Basildon and Brentwood Alliance, Brentwood Council and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service worked collaboratively with partners to deliver a Slipper Swap Event at Ingatestone Fire Station on 6th November.

The Team were able to successfully fit and swap around 10 pairs of slippers to the local community to help with the prevention of falls.

The team were joined by the following partnering organisations, who were able to provide residents with helpful local information for holistic care.

• ECC Technology Enabled Care (TEC)
• NHS Talking Therapies
• Brentwood CVS
• Carecall 24/7
• Find Your Active
• MSE Community Collaborative
• Sport for Confidence

The group will be returning to this venue on 22nd November for a follow up session.

On 22nd October, Basildon and Brentwood Alliance worked closely with Peabody to deliver a Slipper Swap Event at King Edward Community Centre in Laindon.

The Team were able to successfully fit and swap over 30 pairs of slippers to the local community to help with the prevention of falls.

The team were joined by partnering organisations ECC Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and Care Call 24/7 to provide residents with information on at home technology.

In a heart-warming initiative, the Basildon and Brentwood Allice and local partners has been organizing

Slipper Swap events to support older residents in the community. These pop-up sessions are strategically held in both rural and densely populated areas with high levels of deprivation, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are reached.

Bringing Comfort and Safety

At these events, attendees are encouraged to bring their old, worn-out slippers. They receive a fitting for new, anti-slip slippers designed to reduce the risk of falls. This simple yet effective measure is crucial in preventing accidents among older adults.

Comprehensive Support

The events offer more than just new slippers. Participants receive a fall-proof checklist and winter-ready booklets filled with tips for staying safe and healthy. Additionally, they are given an “Able Like Mabel” pack, which supports overall wellbeing. Quick demonstrations of simple exercises to improve strength and balance are also provided, promoting independence and fall prevention.

Community Engagement

These pop-ups are supported by partnerships with third-sector organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible service for older residents. The initiative not only provides essential equipment and referrals but also fosters a sense of community and support.

Survey Insights

A recent survey conducted from August 20 to September 18, 2024, gathered feedback from participants of the Basildon and Brentwood Slipper Swaps. Here are some key findings:

• Age Group: The majority of respondents were aged 70 to 80 (35.4%), followed by those aged 60 to 65 (33.3%).
• Gender: 63.6% of respondents were female, and 36.4% were male.
• Previous Falls: A significant number of participants (45) reported having had a previous fall.
• Event Impact: Most attendees valued staying healthy, staying active, and learning about different devices and support available at home and in the community. Free slippers and referral services were also highly appreciated.
• Effectiveness: An overwhelming majority (45 out of 48) believed that their new slippers would help them.

These events are making a tangible difference in the lives of older residents, providing them with the tools and support they need to live safely and independently. The positive feedback from the survey underscores the importance and effectiveness of the Slipper Swap initiative.

Many slips and falls happen around the home, to prevent this it is important to look out for potential hazards and how these can be changed to make your home a safer place. Some of these changes include:

• Removing rugs and mats from the top of your stairs, which can lead to trips or falls.
• Installing a night light by your bed or on your stairs, to help your visibility when waking up in the middle of the night. There are also motion activated lights that switch on as and when needed.
• Avoid buying glass furniture as this can sometimes be harder to spot around your house and can lead to fall. It is also important to remove clutter, wires and rugs around the house as this can trip you up when walking around the house.

Good mobility shops have a range of aids that can help reduce falls, such as long handled reachers, riser recliner chairs, perching stools and walking aids.

If you already use a walking stick or frame check that the handles and feet are in good condition and the aid is the correct height for you.

If you require any advice about falls prevention equipment please contact the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0300 303 9988.

for more information see below link

Fall Proof: Preventing falls and staying well - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ics.nhs.uk)