Hertfordshire Residents Hot Foot it to County’s First Slipper Swap
Hertfordshire County Council kicks off its popular slipper swap events, running in libraries across the county over the next two months, giving residents the chance to swap their old, tired slippers for new non-slip ones.
This winter sees the return of the popular collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care service and Hertfordshire Libraries, providing new slippers to people to help prevent slips, trips and falls amongst older people.
The first slipper swap event took place at Royston Library, on Tuesday 4 October, where local residents flocked to swap their old slippers for new ones. But it wasn’t just an opportunity to bag a new pair of slippers; volunteers from Citizens Advice were on hand with advice on how to manage the cost of living, people could discuss the support they might need to remain independent at home from an Occupational Therapist from Hertfordshire County Council, and they could also seek advice from an NHS care navigator.
Peter, 82, from Royston, heard about slipper swaps in a local magazine and thought he’d pop by. ‘The article said that this Slipper Swap was going on today, and if I bought my old slippers along then I’d be able to exchange them for something new.
‘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.’
Word soon spread around town, reaching Thomas who went back home to bring his wife, Pamela, to the slipper swap event. ‘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.’
Terry Douris, Executive Member for Libraries, Localism and Education at Hertfordshire 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.’
Tony Kingsbury, Executive Member for Adult Care Services at Hertfordshire County Council, added: ‘Our Slipper Swap events are a great way to stay connected with others in your local community and get the help you need to stay well and remain independent. We deliver a huge range of local services, work closely with partners and fund lots of different organisations to make sure you get the help you need this winter.’
There are eight slipper swap events taking place in libraries across Hertfordshire from now until mid-December, these include:
- Harpenden Library – Monday 17 October
- Welwyn Garden City Library – Friday 28 October
- Hertford Library – Thursday 10 November
- North Watford Library – Wednesday 16 November
- Hitchin Library – Tuesday 29 November
- Tring Library – Tuesday 6 December
- Oxhey Library (South Oxhey) – Thursday 15 December
We all need a little support from time to time. If you are struggling, please get in touch with HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044. For more information, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hereforyou.