A ‘life-changing’ service which provides free exercise, social activities and creative sessions for older people in east London has been saved thanks to new funding.
The Active and Connected 65+ project, which has been run by the East Ham-based Bonny Downs Community Association for 20 years, was facing financial pressure as its previous funding was due to run out.
Now, the service, which helps hundreds of older Newham residents every year, will continue for at least another two years thanks to a £72,000 grant from City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.
City Bridge Trust Chairman Giles Shilson said:
“Getting out, getting active and meeting people has life-changing benefits for older people and is something many will have missed greatly during the Covid pandemic.
“We’re delighted our funding means this service, which has helped many hundreds of east Londoners over the last 20 years, can continue to help improve the health and quality of life of older people.”
Activities funded through the City Bridge Trust grant include weekly exercise classes, social activities such as ‘arts and darts’ sessions, one-to-one telephone support and regular outings including dances.
The charity, based at The Well Community Centre in Vicarage Lane, also provides older people with a befriending service and support on issues such as bereavement, transport and housing.
Bonny Downs Community Association Director of Fundraising Jess Craig said:
“Our members tell us the sessions help them improve their physical health and stay fit, but more than that, it enables them to contribute to the community and feel part of the life of their neighbourhood.
“Without the extra funding there was a real risk to this project’s future, leaving a lot of older people with nothing to do, so it will make a big difference to people’s lives.”
More information about Bonny Downs Community Association is available online at bonnydowns.org or by calling 0208 586 7070.
The City of London Corporation’s charity funder, City Bridge Trust, is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of over £25 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital – www.citybridgetrust.org.uk
