The BETTER Balance Programme is eight weeks long and includes weekly 60-minute, referral-only classes. The classes are led by an OTAGO-qualified instructor, offering a combination of strength and balance exercises with the aim of reducing the fear and risk of falling. The classes are located at two leisure centres in Barnet. 

Patients will attend an initial assessment with the Healthwise team prior to starting the programme. The assessment will measure their goals and motivations, readiness, physical measurements whilst completing a timed up and go functional test.

Adjunct to the BETTER balance class, a gym induction will also be completed to help increase activity levels and work in conjunction with the programme. Additionally, the patient is provided with a home programme to follow with regular walking encouraged to assist outcomes.

After completing the programme, the patient will be booked into a final assessment to measure their progress and to discuss exit strategies to maintain physical activity levels.

All patients referred to Healthwise by a GP or healthcare professional will require a membership (£30 per month or £6 pay or play from the 1 January 2026) to participate in the programme. The service is responsible for reporting and evaluating the programme.

Data from this programme is anonymised and shared with the local authority to report on Health outcomes to help understand its effectiveness. 

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• Barnet resident or registered with a Barnet GP
• aged 18+
• initial assessment suggests patient is ready to change and in need of a structured programme
• score of 0-2 on falls risk assessment tool (FRAT), see Downloads
• at risk of or fear of falling
• independently mobile without a walking aid.

Exclusions

• score of 3+ on the falls risk assessment tool (FRAT), see Downloads
• has fallen in the past 12 months
• immobile
• medically unstable
• acute/uncontrolled mental health issues or problems preventing engagement in therapy
• newly diagnosed/active neurological conditions including stroke (patients with Parkinson's disease should be referred to a specialist Parkinson's unit).

How to Refer

Locations

Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre

New Barnet Leisure Centre