Could You Help Stop Someone Over 65 From Falling? Edward Hain Centre Seeks Volunteers in St Ives

New digital course could help elderly people stay on their feet – but volunteers are needed to make it happen

The Edward Hain Centre in St Ives is looking for volunteers to help run a new fall prevention course aimed at people aged 65 and over.

The course, called Move More, has been developed by Falmouth-based group iCareiMove and is described as “incredibly effective” in helping older people build confidence, strength and stay independent.

Rather than being led in person, the latest version of the course is delivered by video, meaning the iCareiMove team doesn’t need to be present for it to run.

“Falls are a major hazard to the elderly,” said Aimee Blackman from iCareiMove. “So we want to prevent as many as possible. Our Move More course helps vulnerable older people gain confidence and strength, so they can maintain their independence by living at home, and preventing falls when they go out.”

Aimee added that the new digital version significantly increases the number of people who can access the course.

What volunteers will do

The Edward Hain Centre hopes to run a full 25-week course, with one class per week. Each class lasts an hour, and two or three volunteers are needed per session to supervise and support participants while they follow the video instructions.

Volunteers will receive training to help them feel confident in their role. They’ll also be responsible for setting up and packing away the video equipment at the start and end of each session.

Sharron Goldingay, who manages the Edward Hain Centre, said, “This is exactly the kind of course we are keen to offer for older community members. Now all we need are volunteers to help us run it!”

Sharron acknowledged that a 25-week course might sound like a big commitment, but said it’s designed to be flexible. “If enough people sign up, it would not require a weekly commitment. For example with six volunteers on a roster, each would average one class every two to three weeks. With twelve, they would average a class every four to six weeks.”

A rewarding experience

As well as helping others, the Centre says volunteers often find the experience personally rewarding. Seeing the improvements in people taking part can be a powerful motivator.

A testimonial from the iCareiMove website reads: “They… watched me get off the floor and couldn’t believe I did that at age 87! Game changer, being on Move More.”

If you’d like to volunteer as a Falls Prevention supervisor at the Edward Hain Centre, email info@edwardhaincentre.org.uk with the subject Falls Prevention.