Better Balance Falls Prevention Programme
The Better Balance programme aims to support older adults in Newham who want to:
- Feel steadier on their feet
- Reduce fear and risk of falling
- Stay active for longer
The exercise programme is for 6 weeks to start with and includes a weekly 45-minute group session that will improve your strength, balance, and confidence through gentle, tailored exercises.
After each class, there’s time to chat with others in the group and hear about other local activities. You'll also get a simple home exercise plan to work through between sessions.
We have partnered with a number of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations; Age UK (London East), SubCo Trust and the African Caribbean Resource Centre to make sure everyone feels welcome and supported, including help with translation, Dial-a-Ride transport and extra guidance if needed.
All Better Balance classes are led by Falls Prevention Specialists, who follow the evidence-based FaME intervention. FaME is a programme developed through research studies such as Skelton 2019.
Who is Better Balance for?
The Better Balance programme is for Newham residents who want to improve their balance and strength and reduce their fear of falling.
You can join if you:
• Are aged 50 years or older
• Live in Newham
• Do not live in residential care
• Have fallen or are afraid of falling
• Are ready to take part in exercise
There are some people who might not be able to start the programme due to health reasons. If you’re unsure whether you can begin or not, get in touch with our team for help with your questions.
Where do the sessions take place?
We are currently running sessions from two community venues:
African Caribbean Resource Centre, 627–633, Barking Road, E13 9EZ, (nacresourcecentre.org)
Mondays 12.30pm-1.30pm
SubCo Trust, 107–109 The Grove, E15 1HP, (subcotrust.org.uk)
Fridays 12.30pm-1.30pm
We are also running initial assessments at Atherton Leisure Centre and a new class will be starting in 2026.
Atherton Leisure CentreHow to get involved
You can be referred by someone else e.g. a family member or a health professional, or you can self-refer. Click on the tile below to self-refer or refer someone else.
You can also self-refer via the Well Newham website: wellnewham.org.uk
Both links will direct you to an external referral Joy website where you can make the referral.