IF you're an 'ageing adult' in Somerset worried about falling over, you can get a free pair of slippers to help keep you on your feet.

NHS Somerset, in partnership with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), has launched its "Sloppy Slippers" campaign

It aims to address the high incidence of falls among adults due to improperly fitting slippers. Figures show around 24,000 over-65s in the UK suffer a fall annually due to 'sloppy' slippers, with many ending up in hospital.

In response NHS Somerset is providing free, well-fitting and supportive slippers to eligible adults, providing advice on avoiding trips and falls and simple actions people can take such as exercise and healthy eating to minimise the risk of falling.

The campaign includes a series of roadshows across Somerset, organised by SASP, where people can receive their free pair of slippers and access information and support for falls prevention from a range of partners including Age UK Somerset, Somerset Sight and the Community Council for Somerset.

North Petherton resident Sylvia Selway said: "I’ve had a couple falls this year, which greatly affected my confidence.

"Since receiving these sturdy, comfortable slippers from the Sloppy Slippers campaign, together with attending strength and balance resources, I feel a renewed sense of safety and confidence in my daily life. It's a small change that's made a big difference."

Dr Bernie Marden, NHS Somerset chief medical officer, said: “Keeping well and maintaining strength and balance is something we should all be mindful of, as we age, to avoid trips and falls.

"Somerset has a high percentage of people over 65 and we provide a range of services to help them to age well and support them if they do have a fall.

“Sloppy slippers are just one part of the equation, but badly fitting slippers are responsible for countless trips and falls which can have a devastating impact for the individual."

The next Sloppy Slippers roadshows:

Monday, January 15, 9.30am–12pm, Taunton Library, Paul Street, Taunton;

Tuesday, January 23, 12.30pm-3.30pm, Highbridge Community Hall, Market Street, Highbridge;

Friday, February 9, 11am-2pm, Independent Living Centre, 17 Knights Road, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, (pre-booking essential);

Friday, February 16, 11am-2pm, Independent Living Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, (pre-booking essential);

Thursday, February 22, 11am-2pm at Chard Library, Holyrood Street, Chard.

For more information click HERE.