AESOP, Dance To Health
Thu 5 October 2017Part of: Dance to Health | 2018-2019

Yorkshire Dance has been chosen by arts charity and social enterprise, Aesop, as its Yorkshire partner for the falls-prevention programme, Dance to Health phase one roll-out. We’re thrilled to extend our falls prevention work this way, demonstrating a significant investment in employment and skills for artists and connection with older adults.
Falls represent the most frequent and serious type of accident in people aged 65 and over
10 % of ambulance calls are due to older people’s falls. After a fall, an older person is 50% likely to have seriously impaired mobility and 10% will die within a year. Falls destroy confidence, increase isolation, reduce independence, and cost the NHS £2.3 billion per year.
Aesop has engaged Yorkshire Dance to work with Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Groups and Royal British Legion Care Home Lister House to deliver activity for older adults in danger of falling in Sheffield and Ripon. Established dance practitioners will receive specialist training in two evidence-based physiotherapy exercises FaME and Otago – greatly developing and diversifying their skills – which they will integrate into creative dance programmes. Seven programmes will start between November 2017 and run through to March 2018.
We are delighted to be working with Nesreen Shah, AESOP’S Dance to Health Co-ordinator in Yorkshire. Dance Artists Charlotte Armitage, Lucy Haighton, Jackie Terry-Schuhmann and Adele Wragg will be supported by Assistant Dance Artists Tora Hedd, Margaret Whitcombe, Christine Adlington and Kathryn Stone.
A number of other Dance to Health programmes will simultaneously take place across England and Wales, Aesop’s other dance partners are Cheshire Dance, National Dance Company Wales, South East Dance, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Dance East.
Follow #DancetoHealth on Twitter for the latest news on the programme.