The area has been identified as having significantly higher fall related hospital admissions than both the Stockport and Greater Manchester averages.
In partnership with Starting Point and Home Instead, and using the national Fall Fighter guidance from RoSPA, a new youth focused training programme has been created called 'Fall Heroes'.
The training helps young people understand:
- what causes falls
- how to spot risks around the home
- how they can support older family members, neighbours and the community
Home Instead will deliver the training to young people taking part in the Holiday Activity and Food programme at Starting Point Learning Hub in Woodley. Each young person will receive a passport, certificate and badge recognising their skills and role as a Fall Hero.
Evidence shows that a message delivered by young people can often be received more positively by older relatives or neighbours. This project aims to harness that dynamic to help reduce preventable falls and support the broader fall reduction goals of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme.
Isabella, aged 12, Fall Heroes participant
To make things safe. We learnt you need to pick things up, so no one trips, watch where you walk, and call for an ambulance in an emergency.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
Falls have a profound impact on individuals, families and health services and we know Werneth faces challenges. This project is a fantastic example of how communities can come together in creative ways to improve wellbeing. Local insight tells us we need stronger community-based prevention, and by working through the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme we are helping residents stay safe, active and connected. By involving young people directly, we are building awareness, confidence and stronger links between generations. I am proud to see Stockport leading such innovative and compassionate approaches to prevention.
Laura Roberts, Community Partnerships Manager at Home Instead
We are thrilled to be working with Stockport Council and Starting Point on the Fall Heroes programme. It has been wonderful to see how engaged the young people have been during the sessions. They ask thoughtful questions, share their own experiences and genuinely want to make a difference for the older people they care about. Watching them realise that they can play a real role in keeping their grandparents, neighbours or family friends safe has been so rewarding. Their kindness and confidence shine through, and it shows just how powerful children can be in building safer, more supportive communities.
This summer, a follow up session will bring Fall Heroes together with older Woodley residents for an intergenerational strength-based exercise activity delivered by a trusted partner. Building on this, the initiative will continue to grow through community partnerships, school involvement and wider intergenerational learning. Fall Heroes plays an important role in raising awareness and encouraging simple, everyday actions that help prevent falls.
