This year, Falls Prevention Awareness Week took place across the UK from 21 to 25 September, bringing together organisations, community groups, and health professionals to raise awareness of the many factors that can contribute to falls, and the steps people can take to stay safe, well, and independent.
In Blaenau Gwent, we believe the best support is built around people, their experiences, and the communities in which they live. As part of the week, we were delighted to work alongside our friends at the Ebbw Vale Institute to create an opportunity for local people to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The focus was not simply on preventing falls, but on promoting confidence, independence, wellbeing, and social connection. People were able to access information, meet local professionals, share experiences, and learn about the wide range of support available within our community.
This week, the regulars from the Sunflower Café enjoyed a visit to the Festival Café in Ebbw Vale. Bright, spacious, and welcoming, it provided the perfect setting for a catch-up with friends over a cup of coffee and, of course, a slice of cake or two! The staff were wonderfully friendly and accommodating, helping to ensure everyone felt comfortable and included.
As we all know, falls are about much more than slips and trips. Factors such as hearing, vision, balance, posture, confidence, and memory can all play a part. With this in mind, we were pleased to welcome colleagues from a range of services whose knowledge and expertise help people remain safe, active, and independent.
The event proved a real success, with lots of useful conversations, information shared, new connections made, and several referrals generated. More importantly, it demonstrated the value of bringing people together and highlighted how partnership working can make a genuine difference within our communities.
If the event helped just one person avoid a fall, maintain their confidence, or continue living independently, then it was a day very well spent. And if it also involved good company, plenty of conversation, and a nice piece of cake, then all the better.
Our sincere thanks go to:
• Ceri Dobbins, Ebbw Vale Institute
• Rhiannon Davies, Dementia Advisor
• Helen Pugh, Centre of Sign Sight Sound (COS)
• Sharon Derrick, Action Deafness Cymru
• Becki Griffiths, Physiotherapist, Blaenau Gwent Community Resource Team
• Dr Singla, GP
• Paul E. Stanier, Rehabilitation Officer for Visual Impairment (ROVI)
Paul E Stanier (ROVI) 23/09/2026
Find out more about how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/