How to get your walking aid ferrule checked

A ferrule is the small rubber base found at the end of a walking stick or walking frame. They give a more stable contact with the ground and act as a shock absorber to the hand, arm and wrist.

When ferrules wear down with time and use, they will not be effective and could increase the chance of slipping or falling.

A recent review of the total number of falls within Medway has found there were 863 recorded falls from 2021 to 2022.

It’s therefore important to check your ferrules every 3 months for any wear and replace them regularly.

Get your ferrules checked 

From Monday 1 July 2024, we're running the Walking Aids Ferrules Project which will let you get your ferrules checked and changed at a number places across Medway.

We're also looking to get them recycled to reduce the impact on the environment and on climate change.

Where to get your ferrule checked

You can get your ferrules checked or changed for free at any of the places listed below.

Exercise sessions

Get your ferrules checked at any of the following sessions:

• Walk in the Park sessions
• Wellbeing Walks
• Physical Activity Course
• Let’s Get Active Medway exercise classes
• Everyday Active sessions.

Our walking groups and classes can also help improve muscle strength, posture, coordination and balance to reduce the risk of falling. 

Libraries or community hubs

Get them checked or changed at any of our libraries or community hubs.

Find a library or community hub near you.

Selected pharmacies

• Delmergate Ltd, 21 Shirley Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9UR
• Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5JL
• Ryders (Paydens), 130 Hight Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1JT
• Hobbs (Medimart), 41 to 43 Wells Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 2PW.

More pharmacies will be added here soon.

Healthy Living Centres

• Lordswood Health Living Centre, Sultan Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 8TJ
• Gillingham Healthy Living Centre, Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4PN
• Rainham Healthy Living Centre, 103 to 107 High Street, Rainham, Kent, ME8 8AA
• Rochester Healthy Living Centre, Dulce Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2EL.

Stop Smoking Advice Centre

You can get your ferrule checked at our Stop Smoking Advice Centre in Chatham.

• Address: 2/2a Railway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4JL
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Medequip depot in Rochester

Medequip, our equipment provider, can remove and refit any ferrules that are difficult to remove in any of the places listed on this page.

They can also make adjustments to your prescribed equipment. This can only be done at the depot in Rochester.

• Address: Medequip Assistive Technology, Unit 4 to 5, Rochester Trade Park, Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3QY
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
• Phone: 01634 975 108
• Email: medway@medequip-uk.com.

Why you should get your ferrule checked

Ferrules with even the slightest bit of wear can have a catastrophic consequence for the user of the equipment if they're not addressed. 

The risk of falling increases as you get older, and falls are one of the biggest causes of emergency hospital admission for older adults. They can result in:

• serious injury
• loss of mobility
• loss of independence
• loss of confidence.

The prevention of falls is a national and local priority for the Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

Preventing falls is a priority for Medway Council and there are many services already in place to help protect residents from falling.