A SPORTS trust was honoured for a community project helping those at risk of falling at the Place to be Proud of Awards on Thursday last week.

Basingstoke Sports Trust picked up the gong for a community project initiative it runs with Hampshire County Council, called Steady and Strong.

The classes are designed to improve the mobility, balance and confidence of people who have fallen recently, or are at risk of falling.

Two of the nine classes take place at the Basingstoke Sports Centre in Festival Place, but the trust also provides classes in areas with an identified need, including in Whitchurch and Tadley, with discussions taking place for venues in Old Basing, Kingsclere and Buckskin.

Kevin Nuttall, health and wellbeing co-ordinator at the trust, said: “We were surprised and proud to win two awards.

“We have been running Steady and Strong for about two years, and it has become very popular.”

Director at sponsor Face TV, Paul Friend, said: “Steady and Strong is a Hampshire County Council initiative to improve the balance, mobility and confidence of those that have fallen or are at risk of falling.

“Basingstoke Sports Trust provide this much needed programme in Basingstoke and Deane.

“The benefits of attending the programme are a reduction in hospital admissions from falls, improved health markers, and a reduction in social isolation.

“This makes it a very worthwhile project which reaches out to many people in the local community.”

RUNNERS UP: Basingstoke Foodbank and VIVID and the Discovery Centre