Hundreds of pensioners start getting visits from housing staff in a programme launched today in London’s deprived East End to make sure they are safe and well this coming winter.

The Gateway housing association which looks after several East End estates is looking in on tenants aged 70 and over in its Winter Warmers scheme with 300 visits planned by the end of the month.

“We know how vital it is keeping pensioners well and warm with winter coming up,” Gateway’s Mo Ali said.

“Our visits are crucial as isolation affects many older people. We can improve accessibility so they can get out and about.

“Last year we found out that one-in-five of our residents weren’t receiving a State pension.

Our ambition this year is to improve the lives of 5,000 residents in five years.”

Heating systems are being checked to make sure radiators and hot water are running efficiently.

Staff are also chatting about health issues to make sure the pensioners stay well through the cold months ahead—and even asking whether they have problems of loneliness.

The visits follow a pilot scheme last year, when changes were made to heating systems in 55 homes to improve efficiency. An additional second visit is planned this time round to those with particular needs.