We work in partnership with NHS Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Three Valleys Housing Association to deliver a Health Trainer Programme aimed at older and vulnerable people to:
- Help improve health and independence. and reduce the risk of falls
- Offer advice, motivation and practical support to those wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Research from Derbyshire County NHS shows that the Amber Valley and Erewash borough’s have the highest rate of falls in the County - both areas also have a significantly worse number of hip fractures in older people, compared to averages for Derbyshire and England. Research shows that every fall prevented saves the NHS £7,956 in direct costs for hip replacement plus indirect costs of social care.
Some of our Neighbourhood Support Co-Ordinator’s have undergone training and accreditation from the Royal Institute of Public Health in order to deliver this initiative.
The programme offers:
- Chair-based exercise classes to improve flexibility and reduce isolation
- Otago, an exercise programme involving the monitoring of progress across a year
- Falls clinics to reduce the risk of falls
- The Be Active and WaistWise programmes, combining exercise with dietary advice to support weight management
- Smoking cessation support and advice
- One-to-one motivational sessions
- Referral to appropriate services.
The Health Trainer Programme has exceeded its aims and objectives. We have:
Completed Health Contact Forms for over 400 residents Carried out a 5-point falls screening tool on all residents over the age of 60 receiving our Visiting Support Service Provided regular exercise classes at 12 venues across the Amber Valley borough Worked with over 60 residents in one to one goal setting behaviour change sessions Promoted the service among GPs, District Nursing Teams and voluntary agencies through a series of appointments and scheduled presentations There is no charge for this service.
Positive impact on the lives of those who have been involved
“My balance is better, my confidence has improved. I have now got a three-wheeler which has really helped with my walking. I now go to chair exercises every other week … and I do exercises at home using the programme I was given.” (Cynthia)
“I can walk a little bit further than I did. I can also feel a benefit to my hands and arms and I really look forward to the classes - joining in and meeting people there.” (Pauline)
“I feel more alive. I can put my bad arm up more than I could and I enjoy going because I can talk to people.” (Lily)
“I got advice on eating and I feel more positive now. It has improved my health overall.” (Paul)
“I achieved a sense of well-being. It has helped me to keep a check on what I am eating and I am now trying to do bits in the garden.” (David)
“It gave me confidence to lose weight and achieve. I built up my confidence, got help to lose weight and I now feel better. I felt that if I wanted more help I could ask and that support was there.” (Brent)
