Tuesday March 17th 2026
Back left to right at the Wellbeing Team's Best Step Forward strength and balance class at Dalkeith Arts Centre are: Midlothian Council’s Wellbeing Officer David West, Jeremy Schmid and Christina Anderson, who attend the class, falls event organiser Linda Linton of Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Pam Mackay, who is also a class attendee, Midlothian Council's Wellbeing Instructors Gosia Bednarska-Latoszek and Shirley Ditty. In front is Mark McCafferty, Midlothian Council's Health Walk and Mobility Officer.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Back by popular demand, Midlothian Council is hosting its second Fall Prevention Community Drop In after 221 joined the session last September.
Providing expert advice and practical demonstrations, the drop-in aims to help Midlothian residents stay fitter and independent by providing mobility advice and advice on how to safely get up after a fall, being open to anyone over 50 and their families.
Organised again by Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner Linda Linton of Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership, the drop in is open to everyone over 50 and their families.
Linda said: “Last September’s was a huge success, the feedback was very positive with people saying they really appreciated being able to speak to a range of experts without an appointment while also finding out about what local supports are available to help them stay strong and independent.
“If you came in September then please come back as we want to monitor how you are getting on and find out if you feel your health has improved and if you didn’t make it the last time then don’t miss this one.”
Visitors can relax with tea, coffee and homemade cake while discovering how small changes can make a big difference. Friendly professionals will be on hand to show how strength and balance exercises, good diet, safe footwear, and regular health checks can all help reduce the risk of falls.
More than 23 local health teams and organisations will be attending, including physiotherapists, dietitians, optometrists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and the Ageing Well team, who will again be offering blood pressure checks and the very popular fitness testing. Guests can also explore advice on bone health, dementia support, continence care, green health activities, home adaptations, and more.
Special demonstrations will include how to safely get up after a fall, tips for exercising at home, and practical equipment advice from mobility specialists. The drop in is designed not just to raise awareness, but to be a warm and welcoming community event where people can ask questions, get tailored guidance, and connect with others.
Linda said this drop-in will be even bigger and better than the last one. She said: “For example, the Ageing Well fitness tests were so popular in September we’ve made sure they have a much bigger space as people were queuing up for them previously.”
She added preventing falls is a key factor in living well for longer. She said: “Risk of falls increases from 50 years old and by aged 65 risk a third of people will have fallen. This can lead to injury, hospitalisation, loss of confidence and social isolation. However, there is lots you can do to reduce your risk of falling so this community event is a brilliant opportunity for people in Midlothian to come together, learn, and have fun while taking practical steps to stay healthy and independent.”
For more information click here.
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