A slipper swap event was held at Royston Library as part of a Herts-wide initiative, giving residents the chance to swap their old, tired slippers for new non-slip ones.
Slipper swaps are held in collaboration between Herts County Council's Adult Care service and Hertfordshire Libraries, and aim to prevent slips, trips and falls among older people.
Royston Library hosted the first event earlier this month, with local residents flocking to swap their old slippers for new ones.
Volunteers from Citizens Advice were on hand with advice on managing the cost of living, alongside an NHS care navigator and an occupational therapist from Herts County Council, who was able to discuss with residents the suppor they might need to stay independent at home.
Peter, 82, from Royston, said at the slipper swap: "I have fallen twice in the last three months, wearing these slippers that I’ve just handed in.
"I got here this morning fairly early, I was dealt with very quickly and efficiently. Love the slippers and love the people who gave them to me – thank you very much!"
Richard, a Royston resident who had previously attended a slipper swap event, welcomed the chance to trade in his old pair. He said: "I had a pair of slippers from the library some years ago and they worked very well, so I decided to come along and try again, they’re a lot better.”
With word spreading around town, Royston resident Thomas went home to fetch his wife Pamela. He said: "I was talking to someone in town who told me about the Slipper Swap at the library today and so I went back home to bring Pamela along too – she doesn’t get out much and it’s nice to have something to do."
Other slipper swaps are taking place in libraries across Hertfordshire until mid-December.
Terry Douris, executive member for libraries, localism and education at Herts County Council, said: "We’re here for you this winter. Our Slipper Swap events - being held in our warm, welcoming libraries across Hertfordshire this winter - are just one of the ways we are making sure that advice and support is available to help every resident deal with the rising cost of living, with practical help for people who need it most, and stay well as temperatures drop.”
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