A CARE home in the New Forest has teamed up with a nearby day centre to help people in the community banish the winter blues and celebrate healthy living.

The partnership between Colten Care’s Lymington home, Court Lodge, and the neighbouring Coates Centre will offer help on all aspects of winter wellbeing.

Free-of-charge activities and events - some at Court Lodge, some at the Coates Centre - will include exercise sessions, talks and healthy eating demonstrations.

Sam Reid, Court Lodge home manager, said: “It’s not unusual to feel a bit down in the winter, particularly when the days become shorter and it gets darker earlier in the afternoon.

"At Court Lodge, we certainly do everything we can to prevent winter blues among our residents and staff.

"If you are likely to feel down because of the winter, we invite you to take a look at our season of events and see if there’s something in it for you.”

One of the first activities is a talk featuring practical advice on preventing falls, which are typically more common in the winter months.

The ‘Steady and Strong’ session takes place at the Coates Centre on Lower Pennington Lane from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday November 9.

Vicky Lander, Coates Centre community engagement administrator, said: “The aim of our partnership is to help people feel better in the winter by doing things they enjoy, staying active and eating well.

"It’s a natural move for us to partner with Colten Care and Court Lodge as we have a shared interest in the health and wellbeing of the local community.”

Although all activities will be free of charge to the public, it is hoped that participants will be happy to make donations which will go to Oakhaven Hospice.