£300k get-together scheme for elderly launches in Dagenham

Pensioners packed a punch as they celebrated the launch of a new project for the mature community.

Cllr Saima Ashraf talks to pensioners at the launch - Credit: Archant

More than 50 residents enjoyed activities and talks at Scrattons Community Hall in Barking on Wednesday to hail the start of Silvernet.

With a £300,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Barking and Dagenham Volunteer Bureau will jointly combine their resources with Harmony House to eventually provide 17 get-together clubs for the borough’s 17 wards.

The Morrison Road launch – attended by Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Eileen Keller and council deputy leader Cllr Saima Ashraf – featured talks from mature actors in the borough’s performance of the Merchant of Venice.

Meanwhile 77-year-old Shirley Lower took part in some boxing training with coaches from Future M.O.L.D.S Communities.

“I was a bit nervous at first,” admitted the Barking resident. “I did some boxing last year and I think I’d do it again now.”

M.O.L.D.S managing director Sarah Robertson added: “It makes such a change, we are so used to working with younger peopler that to actually feel the power of older people is amazing.”