What is the Strength and Balance Service?
We are a partnership between Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and Gateshead Council Public Health. The service targets over 65-year-olds who have a history of falls, a fear of falling and feel they are slowing down. You may have noticed that you’re a little slower than you used to be and need to rest more often, or that you need help with housework or shopping. Feeling unsteady on your feet and falling can reduce your confidence and limit what you feel able to do.
We aim to reduce falls and fear of falling, improve strength, balance, confidence and independence. By promoting Healthy Ageing in Gateshead, we hope to encourage our participants into lifelong participation in exercise and local community activities.
What We Can Offer
- Free 14- week-long strength and balance exercise classes at venues across Gateshead.
- A Therapist led home based falls risk assessment, to address individual needs for reducing falls risk and maintaining independence.
- Pre-class home based exercise therapy support.
- Information and support to join other appropriate local exercise and activity classes.
Referral Criteria
Please check that all referrals meet the service criteria:
- Aged 65 years+ and registered with a Gateshead GP
- History of falls or near misses in the past year
- Fear of falling and reduced confidence
- Identified as having reduced strength and balance (which is the main cause of falls and reduced confidence)
- Mildly to moderately frail (Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score of 4-6)
- Motivated to improve and committed to attend a 14-week exercise class alongside weekly home exercises
- Able to mobilise short distances with walking aids (zimmer frame/ wheeled walker/stick)
- Able to sit to stand from a chair independently
- Able to stand for several minutes with or without support (e.g., holding a chair)
- Able to get in and out of their house independently
- Able to get in and out of a car independently
- Able to follow instructions in a class-based environment
- Medically stable and in control of any long-term conditions
How To Access The Service
For individuals wanting to take part:
- If you meet the criteria for the service, then please ask to be referred by your GP or any health professional
For Health Professionals wanting to refer:
Referrals can be made:
- On EMIS Web by completing the Strength and Balance Referral form and sending via managed referrals
- Or by completing a Strength and Balance Referral form and emailing to: [email protected]
Feedback from Strength and Balance class participants:
Contact Information
For general enquiries, please contact:
Strength and Balance Service Email: [email protected]
Claire Shroufi, Advanced Physiotherapist, Gateshead Health NHS: 07970 367884 or [email protected]
Clare Dent, Physiotherapist, Gateshead Health NHS: 07890 941432 or [email protected]
Dawn Harvey, Sport and Lifestyle Manager, Gateshead Council: 07824 624487 or [email protected]