FaME - Falls Management Exercise Contract

Gateshead Council (the Council) is in the process of renewing its FaME - Falls Management Exercise Contract which is due to expire on the 31 March 2026. In Gateshead we have an ageing population: it is projected that by 2047 there will be an additional 6,723 people aged 65 or older, an increase of 17%. In 2023/2024 emergency hospital admissions for Gateshead due to falls in people aged 65 and over was 2.214 per 100,000.

This figure has decreased compared to previous years but is still above the England value. FaME is an evidence-based postural stability programme, with research demonstrating that community-based falls prevention programmes are proven to reduce falls and improve outcomes for older adults. Falls prevention exercise programmes have additional benefits related to improved physical and mental health and quality of life.

Gateshead Council is looking for a Provider to carry out the following FaME provision. To provide FaME- a falls prevention community-based exercise programme in Gateshead which is to be structured and delivered in such a way as to follow the FaME model and to have high fidelity with the key components for FaME. The delivery of FaME will ensure a continuum of falls prevention exercises and physical activity provision and will form part of the Gateshead Falls Prevention Pathway.

This will include linking with other relevant programmes and health/social care and community services as necessary. This is a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).