Winter blues? Not for Hackney residents

ELDERLY residents helped beat off the January blues at an innovative Winter Warmer event recently.

More than 200 residents donned woolly hats and gloves, sipped hot soup and chatted to their neighbours at the open day held at Hackney Town Hall.

To get the blood pumping instructors ran Zumba classes – a high intensity aerobic work-out.

Residents were also given healthy eating advice and goodie bags of fresh fruit from East London Food Access.

Resident Selima Scott, of Stoke Newington, said: “The soup was a great idea, really warmed me up. I came with my friends from the estate and we danced, talked and learnt a lot.”

Rupert Tyson, board member at Hackney Homes which ran the event, said: “The event is a great opportunity to support our elderly residents and encourage community spirit, giving residents the chance to meet new people in a relaxed environment.”