Could knowing how to fall safely help prevent a serious injury? That’s exactly what an exciting community event in Blantyre hopes to demonstrate later this month.
On Thursday 27th August, Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion is hosting its Inclusion Festival at Blantyre Leisure Centre, giving local people the opportunity to discover its innovative Safer Falls Programme – a project delivered in partnership with Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion, NHS Health Improvement, and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture.
The festival is open to everyone, whether you’re interested in taking part yourself, care for someone who may be at risk of falling, or work in health or community services and are considering referring people to the programme.
Using specially adapted judo techniques, experienced coaches teach participants how to fall more safely, helping to reduce the impact of a fall and, where appropriate, how to get back up safely afterwards. While the idea of a judo-based programme might sound intimidating, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Every session is tailored to the individual, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
The programme has already completed three successful cohorts, with a fourth due to begin at the end of August. One inspiring participant, aged 90, attended every one of the 11 sessions in the most recent course. Others have included people still in full-time employment who simply wanted to improve their confidence after experiencing a near miss and reduce their future risk of falling.
During the festival, visitors can book onto one of five free 45-minute introductory sessions, where they’ll have the chance to:
✅ Meet the coaching team
✅ Learn more about the Safer Falls Programme
✅ Try safe falling techniques on mats in a welcoming, supportive environment
✅ Ask questions about future courses and opportunities
The event will also feature a range of partner organisations, including the Falls Hub, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, and the Technology Enabled Care Team, all offering expert advice on health, wellbeing and falls prevention. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.
Importantly, you don’t need to have experienced a fall or have an existing health condition to attend. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, support a loved one, learn valuable life skills, or explore delivering a similar programme through another judo club, everyone is welcome.
The more people understand about preventing falls and responding safely when they do happen, the greater the opportunity to reduce injuries, maintain independence and ease pressure on health and social care services.
🎥 See the programme in action here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/682815221430042
📅 Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion Festival
📍 Blantyre Leisure Centre
🗓️ Thursday 27th August various sessions from 10.30am until 3pm
Contact Chris on 07990 531281
Places on the 45-minute sessions must be booked in advance, with numbers being managed throughout the day. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the organiser directly to reserve a place.
Please help spread the word by sharing this fantastic community initiative with anyone who may benefit.
