Animal and art therapy come together for HenPower

Looking after hens will tackle loneliness and bring the community together in a new project combining animal and art therapy.

The birds proved a particular highlight at the launch of HenPower at the Huddleson Centre Centre in Powell Road, Lower Clapton on Sunday.

It is hoped the inspirational intergenerational project will enhance the well-being of older and younger residents.

Sian Bennett, project coordinator, said: “We have truly enjoyed launching this fantastic project, which will see both our members and older members of Hackney take part in a wide range of creative activities in weekly sessions at the centre as well as looking after our hens.

“We welcomed the hens this weekend with celebratory ‘hen holding’ by all who visited the centre, and making decorations to hang inside the run for the hens too.

“We hope to reduce levels of loneliness and isolation over the next couple of years and teach new skills to everyone involved.” Next year ‘hen road shows’ will be rolled out, with the hens taken to housebound people living in the community.

HenPower is being rolled out by aging charity Equal Arts, and is supported by Connect Hackney and the City and Hackney CCG Innovation Fund.