A Falls Response Team has been named NHS Team of the Year for its outstanding service and dedication.
Run by Platform Housing Group and funded by the NHS, the team has supported thousands of people to remain safe and independent in their own homes, and was recognised at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2026.
Lauren Adam, Falls Response Service Manager at Platform Housing Group, said: “Every member of our team genuinely cares about the people we support and always go the extra mile to ensure someone receives the help they need.
“To win the NHS Team of the Year is fantastic recognition of the compassion, professionalism, and dedication the team shows every single day.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved and it is thoroughly deserved.”
The team provides rapid assistance to individuals who have experienced a non-injury fall at home.
They use specialist lifting equipment to help people safely back on their feet, reducing unnecessary ambulance callouts and hospital admissions.
Since 2013, the team has responded to a rising number of emergencies, attending 4,510 incidents in 2022, 5,715 in 2023, and 6,783 in 2024.
The service operates in partnership with Taking Care, Redditch Borough Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and NHS Community Neighbourhood Teams.
Beyond responding to falls, the team often identifies broader health and wellbeing concerns and refers individuals to relevant health and support services.
Last year, the team made 271 onward referrals to occupational therapists, GPs, community nursing teams, and organisations such as Age UK.
Jodie Downton, Supported Living Operations Manager at Platform Housing Group, said: “This team makes a remarkable difference to people’s lives every day, often at moments when they are feeling frightened, vulnerable, and alone.
“Winning this award is a testament to the outstanding commitment they’ve shown over many years and we’re incredibly proud of each and every member of the team.”
The team’s dedication was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when staff sourced PPE from local businesses to keep the service running safely.
During ambulance strikes, they also collaborated with NHS partners to develop a new response model, which has since become a permanent part of the service.
