Capoeira demonstration. Pic: Marie-Lan Nguyen
Hackney residents are invited to a night of free festivities at the New Kingshold Community Centre on Ainsworth Road this Friday, February 20.
There will be free food and drinks provided, and residents will be able to enjoy a performance by local group Nemesis Street Dance and a demonstration of Brazilian martial arts called Capoeira. Advice on health and fitness as well as Indian head massages will be on offer. Information about the new Health Hub services that have recently been launched in Hackney will also be available.
The event is part of a project that aims to increase knowledge of volunteering opportunities, give people more power over local services and budgets in their neighbourhood, and aligning these with all the other resources that the community can bring.
Ann-Marie Nelson from Southern Housing Group said: “We’ve been working with the local community to make sure we’re meeting all sorts of different people’s needs, from developing a film club and giving out information on fitness classes, to helping make sure people know what volunteering opportunities are available.
“We’re also going to be asking members of the local community about what other events and activities they would like in their area on the night, so there’s a chance for everyone to have their say and build the services they want and need in their area.”
According to Lauren Tobias, chief executive of Volunteer Centre Hackney, the evening is part of a broader project that aims to encourage local residents to share their skills with others to lead healthier lives.
“We know that local residents have a huge amount of skills they can offer in the local community and that a lot of these can really help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives,” she said.
“In particular we want to reduce smoking and obesity, and decrease the amount of social isolation felt in the community. All of these will help improve mental wellbeing as well, so there are huge benefits.
“There will also be plenty of opportunities for residents to meet other people from their community, so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to come along.”
The event will run from 6pm to 8pm and is supported by Southern Housing Group, Hackney Homes and Hackney Council. For more information, contact Andrea on 07956 546110.
