A MOVE to help prevent older people tripping and falling in their homes has been launched by Fife Council.

The slipper exchange project is encouraging older people to swap their old “sloppy slippers” for new ones which fit properly.

The scheme is already proving popular following its launch last week.

Now events will take place across the Kingdom alongside the long-running successful electric blanket testing and adaptor exchange schemes.

Chair of the council’s Safer Communities Committee Margaret Kennedy thanked Cllr Fiona Grant who came up with the idea of the slipper exchange through her work as a GP.

She commented: “This is a really simple but effective way of helping older people move around more confidently.

“Many elderly people end up in hospital as a result of falls and trips in their homes every year. Now, as well as a new free pair of slippers, anyone attending our events can access a range of advice and support to assess their risk of falling and we can refer services to help.”

The new scheme is jointly funded by Fife Council and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Agencies including Fife Cares, NHS Fife, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Trading Standards will be available at the sessions to provide advice.