A community group which supports elderly Caribbean residents in Hackney is celebrating after securing £433,382 from the National Lottery to ferry its members to and from its events.

The Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation said they were very excited about the award as it would enable them to provide better services.

Lullyn Tavares, HCEO’s finance and administrative airector told Eastlondonlines: “The charity was founded in 1985 and became a registered charity by guarantee in 1992 with the original club members of organisation coming predominantly from the Windrush generation.

She added: “Although we have a diverse Caribbean element to it and in the company’s name, it is welcome to every single ethnic culture and background. Our aim is to partnership with other organisations that will help fulfil our mission to supporting the elderly and giving them hope and independency”.

The funding will last over three years supporting part-time staff and will enable HCEO to do extra-curricular activities, offer advocacy and outreach, awareness raising of healthy lifestyles and also go towards transport costs of those unable to get to the centre alone.