Spring into Spring at the Ashburton Library on 24 September for a free, fun, informative expo on preventing falls and staying on your feet as you get older.

The Spring Expo will run from 10am to 1pm, with free testing and goodies to give away.

The expo is being organised by Safe Communities with support from 10 other agencies including Sport Canterbury, the Heart Foundation and Age Concern Ashburton.

Safe Communities co-ordinator Lesley Symington said the expo was about preventing falls and identifying common causes of falls.

“People will be able to learn about the benefits of strength and balance classes, and where to find those classes in Ashburton, as well as learning about how to improve their strength and balance at home.”

You can also learn more about:

• What the EA Networks Centre offers older adults
• How you can improve your strength and balance with NYMBL, a free app on your smartphone
• How alcohol can cause falls
• The importance of keeping hydrated
• St John medical alarms
• Getting to a class – Age Concern Ashburton’s Safe Driving courses and the Connector community transport service

Ms Symington said people could also have free blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests and grip strength tests.

“There’s such great space at the Ashburton Library and we really appreciate the support of library staff to help us make this happen.  People can have a go at Tai Chi, or a strength and balance class. Plus there’ll be giveaways and heaps of information.”

Spring into Spring Expo – Ashburton Library, Te Whare Whakatere, on Tuesday 24 September, 10am-1pm.