Home Accident Prevention

In Northern Ireland in a typical week, two people die as a result of home accidents. In addition to these deaths, there are approximately 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of unintentional injuries in general.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Promoting Wellbeing Division aim to provide information and resources to their staff and general public on home accidents and how to prevent them. The work is guided by the Home Accident Prevention Strategy (2015 – 2025) and the aim is to minimise injuries and deaths caused by home accidents.

Home accidents can easily be prevented by being aware of the dangers and hazards that are present in the home environment and putting in place interventions to minimise the risks. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidents in the home. Check for hazards and risks.

This strategy is concerned with the whole population of Northern Ireland but has a particular focus on babies and children under 5 and over 65’s.

View training courses available:

We provide information and resources on burns and scalds, poisoning, strangulation, falls, water safety and choking. Check out our home safety check scheme for babies and children aged under 5 which aims to prevent accidents from happening in and around the home.

Keeping People over 65 safe

It is essential that older adults are empowered to live safe, healthy and independent lives by keeping their homes accident free. Check out our home safety check scheme for people aged over 65 which aims to prevent accidents from happening in and around the home.

October Positive Ageing Month Celebration Event

Positive Ageing Month takes place this October and is a month-long festival of events and activities to highlight the valuable contribution older people make to everyone’s lives. It encourages older people to reach out and connect not only to reduce social isolation and loneliness but to support them to live, long healthy lives.

Nurture in Nature’ walks

ABC Council in partnership with Southern Health & Social Care Trust are hosting a number of ‘Nurture in Nature’ walks across the Borough (Chi Me will be offered as an alternative to the walk if the weather is poor). A great opportunity to get out, have a walk and meet new people.

Why not come along and join us at one of the following:

The Palace Stables Armagh – Monday 9^th October meeting at 10:45 am at the top of the main carpark for 11:00am start.
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre -Monday 16^th October meeting at 10:45am at the Discovery Centre for 11:00am start.
Banbridge Leisure Centre – Monday 23^rd October meeting at the main entrance of the Leisure Centre at 10:45am for 11:00am start.

Each of the walks will last approximately 40 minutes and refreshments will be offered afterwards.

To register please email: PITC@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or call Joan on 07515607472

For more information on Positive Ageing Month activities, click the link below:

https://getactiveabc.com/positive-ageing-month/

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Carbon monoxide is released from the burning of carbon based fossil fuels including coal, gas, oil, petrol, paraffin, charcoal and wood. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 50 deaths each
year in the UK as well as a number of hospital admissions. It is known as the ‘silent killer’ – you can’t see it, taste it or smell it.