FREE slippers were handed out to the elderly in Cudworth last Friday as part of a new initiative to reduce trips, slips and falls.
The event, organised by the Cudworth Ward Alliance, took place at the village’s Methodist church and saw locals turn up to take advantage of the ‘Sloppy Slippers’ scheme.
Coun Charlie Wraith said: “We had a decent turnout and handed out new pairs of slippers to anyone who wanted them. It turned into a mini health fair as we also had professionals there to offer advice to those who came.”
It comes after members of the North East Area Council backed a partnership between Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to prevent accidents occurring in homes.
Residents deemed to be high risk in villages such as Brierley, Cudworth, Great Houghton, Grimethorpe, Monk Bretton, Royston and Shafton will be visited by a team who will assess what can be done to reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Firefighters based in Cudworth will be trained up in January ahead of the launch of the pilot in February before it’s rolled out across Barnsley, and although every age group is included, the focus will be on the vulnerable at first.
“Data suggests over 65s require more support,” Coun Wraith added. “One in three in that age bracket fall each year in their own home and the older end, aged 80 and above, increase to two in three. It’s all about intervening and doing all we can to reduce potential hazards.
“Expert advice will also be on offer at our winter health fair, which takes place at the Methodist church in Cudworth on November 25 from 10.30am until noon.”
