East Suffolk Council
Helping older residents stay safe at home
Older people living in Carlton Colville, Kessingland, Southwold and surrounding villages are invited to exchange their old, worn-out slippers for free to help them stay safely on their feet in a new initiative.
The Carlton Colville, Kessingland, Southwold and surrounding villages Community Partnership is enabling older people in the area to swap their old slippers for a brand-new pair in a new project called ‘Slipper Swap’.
Many older people are keen to stay independent at home, however, walking indoors in worn-out slippers, or barefoot or in socks, can increase the risk of falls, slips and trips, meaning they might have to spend time in hospital or receive treatment at home which can make them feel less independent and more social isolated.
The aim of the project is help reduce the risks of falls, slips and trips by enabling older residents to swap their old, worn-out slippers for a brand-new pair which will include features that helps prevent falls, such as secure fastening and robust soles for example.
Cllr Jenny Ceresa, Chair of the Community Partnership, said: “Many older people are more likely to fall at home, and this can have serious consequences for their health and independence. We are committed to tackling social isolation in our areas and are always looking for ways we can improve the quality of life for our older residents, and we are delighted to be able to fund this project to buy them some brand-new slippers which can help them feel safer at home and prevent falls.”
The Slipper Swap project is being delivered in partnership with East Suffolk Council’s Communities Team, parish and town councils and local groups and organisations.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a new pair of slippers to prevent falls, slips and trips, please contact the East Suffolk Communities Team on communities@eastsuffolk.gov.uk