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Stepney resident in ‘Local Hero’campaign

Local Hero campaign picture

Tower Hamlets Homes and Stepney resident Rose Jennings says she still can’t believe it when she sees her face beaming from buses and billboards around the East End.

Rose found herself a local hero and treated to celebrity status when she was acknowledged by Tower Hamlets Council for her volunteer work championing health in her neighbourhood.

Humble about her accolade, Rose said she was very surprised to be recognised for something she finds rewarding and enjoyable.

She said: “I really love what I do. Every day I meet interesting people when I am out and about so it really doesn’t feel like work at all.”

Rose became a health champion for the Stifford Community Centre after she beat cancer and decided she would use her experience to help others. She also volunteers in her spare time as a bereavement counsellor.

“The volunteering I do is obviously close to my heart. I talk to as many people as I can about healthy lifestyle options and many people will come to me to for a chat about their worries. I let them know about the help that is available to them.”

She said that one of her community’s biggest concerns is the issue of overcrowding, which she believes has an enormous impact on the health of those affected.

“When I first moved to Brick Lane from Ireland as a child, I lived in an overcrowded flat with no amenities - so I know what it’s like first hand,” she said.

“I am so relieved that both local and central government are making this issue a top priority.”

Treated to a day of pampering followed by a photography session with British fashion and portrait photographer Rankin, Rose said it was an exciting experience for “an old girl”.

“I thought it was absolutely wonderful for someone at my age to get their hair, make up done and have their portrait taken. I felt like a celebrity!” she said.

Tower Hamlets Homes Chief Executive Gavin Cansfield said: “I am thrilled to see a resident who is doing great things for their community to be acknowledged in this way.”

Rose is also a member of local documentary film club SOFA (Society of Factual Artists) and is planning to make a short film about health and housing issues in Tower Hamlets. We’ll update you on her progress – watch this space!