People aged 65 and over, their families and carers can attend a series of free falls-prevention events being held across County Durham during Falls Awareness Week. The sessions will offer practical advice on staying safe, active and independent, with no booking required.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Community Falls Service is supporting the events, which are open both to people who have experienced a fall and to anyone who wants to reduce their risk or support someone else.

What visitors can expect

Health professionals will be available to discuss improving strength and balance, making the home safer and reducing the risk of falling. Visitors can also find out how to stay active and independent, learn about local services and support, and access resources for carers and family members.

The trust says falls can happen to anyone, but their effects can become more serious as people get older, affecting confidence, independence and everyday life. Six out of 10 falls happen in the home, although the trust says falls can be prevented.

All four sessions are drop-in events, so residents can arrive at any point during the published times. The events are free to attend.

Dates, venues and contact details

  • East Locality: Monday 21 September 2026, 8.30am to 1.30pm, at Peterlee Leisure Centre, St Cuthbert’s Way, Peterlee, SR8 1AF. Telephone 03000 261 084.
  • South Locality – Event One: Tuesday 22 September 2026, 10am to 3pm, at Richardson Community Hospital, Victoria Road, Barnard Castle, DL12 8HT. Telephone 01833 696500.
  • South Locality – Event Two: Wednesday 23 September 2026, 10am to 3pm, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, DL16 6DB. Telephone 03000 261 161.
  • North Locality: Thursday 24 September 2026, 10.30am to 1pm, at Grange Villa Community Enterprise, East Street, Chester-le-Street, DH2 3LN. Telephone 0191 370 1674.

The Richardson Community Hospital session is sponsored by Friends of Richardson Hospital Charity. Durham Carers, Care Connect, the Wellbeing for Life Team, CDDFT District Nurse Services, and Richardson Community Hospital Ward Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Services are also due to attend that event.

Further falls-prevention support

The trust says people do not need to have fallen before attending. Its website also provides falls-prevention resources and practical advice for patients, carers and families.

For residents in and around Durham, the events provide an opportunity to speak directly with professionals about risks at home and ways to maintain independence. Anyone planning to attend should check the relevant venue and contact number for the session they wish to visit.