HUNDREDS of weighing scales used in an art installation have been given to sheltered housing residents to boost creative activity and tackle isolation.

The artwork used 714 scales for an exhibition at Brighton’s Fabrica Art Gallery called On Balance by Swedish artist Jakob Dahlgren.

The gallery was commissioned by Brighton and Hove City Council to work across five sheltered housing schemes.

A leaflet from the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership was handed out with each set of scales with healthy recipes using fresh food.

Housing managers have been trained by the food partnership to promote their Shape Up project for people struggling with weight.

Peter Huntbach, the council’s older people’s services manager, said: “It’s sad to see how isolated some residents can become, especially those without close family or friends. “We need to draw them out and re-engage them.”