New slippers 'mean fewer slips'

Over 50s can trade their old slippers for new pairs in west Belfast

Three hundred pairs of new slippers have been handed out to the over 50s at a west Belfast shopping centre.

The aim was to help cut down on accidents in the home. An old pair of slippers had to be handed in to get a new pair.

It was organised by the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, which said many falls suffered by older people are due to loose or old footwear.

The group added that the majority of these accidents occurred at home.

"One in every five falls among women aged 55 and over result in a fracture or fractures requiring hospital treatment," said Annie Armstrong of the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership.

"It is also well documented that many of these falls occur due to loose or badly worn footwear.

"Therefore, we hope by supplying our older residents with new and comfortable slippers we can make the home a safer place this winter."

The slipper exchange was funded by a grant from Investment for Health.