ELDERLY residents can ensure their homes are safe this winter by taking part in events across the county.

The Dorset Partnership for Older People’s Programme (POPP) aim to raise awareness of potential dangers in the home, including faulty electrical equipment that can lead to fires and injuries caused by slips, trips and falls.

Anyone over the age of 55 will be able to trade in old slippers for a pair of new ones to reduce the risk of a fall or trip.

Councillor Jill Haynes, cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: “The chances of falling and being seriously injured in a fall increases with age.

“Research shows that one in three adults aged 65 and over experience at least one fall each year.

“Many of the accidents happen at home, and one of the most common factors is old, ill-fitting slippers.

“We want to encourage anyone over 55 to visit one of the many events and find out more about how to prevent falls and making sure the home environment is safe.”

The home safety and falls prevention events take place at Bridport Town Hall on Wednesday, November 26, Corfe Mullen Village Hall on Friday, November 28, Ferndown Barrington Centre on Tuesday, December 2, Sherborne Digby Hall on Thursday, January 15, Wimborne Allendale Centre on Wednesday, January 21, Blandford Corn Exchange on Tuesday, January 27 and Portland Community 2000 Hall on Tuesday, February 3.