People in Sunderland benefitting from falls prevention classes
A local leisure operator is playing its part to ensure the risk of people falling in Sunderland continues to reduce.
Sunderland had the second-highest falls rate in England in 2020-21 but according to 2024-25 figures published recently by the Department of Health and Social Care, the area is now below the national average.
An award-winning operator, Everyone Active runs seven leisure sites in Sunderland on behalf of Sunderland City Council.
It is now in its fourth year of providing Strength and Balance – Falls Prevention sessions out in the Coalfields community, funded by Sunderland City Council.
These are 14-week courses staged three times a year at venues including Penshaw Community Centre, The Old Rectory, Hetton and Eppleton Community Hall and Churchill Square Community Centre.
The sessions are also held at Houghton Sports and Wellness Centre, Raich Carter Sports Centre and Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre – all of which are operated by Everyone Active – and hundreds of local people are enjoying the benefits.
“I joined the class at Houghton 18 months ago after suffering a serious fall that left me without confidence and struggling with both balance and strength,” said Jan Leach, who is from Houghton.
“From the very beginning, our instructor Robyn made an incredible difference. Her patience, encouragement and expertise helped me regain abilities I thought I’d lost. She guided us through exercises that truly worked, always offering support and reassurance.
“Today, I can walk up the street with confidence and without the fear of falling again, something I owe entirely to Robyn’s dedication and thoughtful approach.
“She has a wonderful way of working with older people and is a real asset to the activity centre – always cheerful, always helpful and genuinely committed to our progress.”
Meanwhile, participant Margaret Finch has also found the sessions useful.
“The course has been very helpful for me,” she said. “I can feel my legs strengthening week by week and this has helped with walking and standing up from a sitting position.
“My balance has steadily improved as well and I’ve noticed myself picking my feet up more than before and walking much better.”
Corrin Bradgate, Everyone Active’s Health Activity and Wellbeing Manager, said: “It’s great to see so many people from the local community having their lives positively impacted by this programme.
“Not only do the classes give multiple physical benefits, they are also friendly and sociable and people enjoy getting to know each other.
“We are proud to play a role in significantly reducing the falls rate in Sunderland and hope to see that trend continue.”
Cllr Jonathon Emerson, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services, said: “It is really encouraging to see Sunderland’s falls rate improve in recent years. Preventing falls is a key part of helping older residents to age well and maintain their independence, enabling them to stay active, confident, and connected to their communities.
“Everyone Active’s Strength and Balance classes are providing people with the confidence, strength, and stability they need to reduce their risk of falls and injury. We are delighted to continue working in partnership with Everyone Active to support residents to live healthier, safer, and more independent lives for longer.”
Everyone Active also runs Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope, Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre and Washington Leisure Centre, which are among the 250 centres it operates across the country.