If you're unemployed, dejected, aimless or skint - or all of these (they tend to go together) - then forget about slouching off to your local JD Wetherspoons's (a fine chain of boozers, nevertheless) for an early pint. Or spending your morning feeling sorry for yourself in bed. It's not good for you. Try getting fit instead. For free.

 Climbing, sailing and swimming are some of the activities being offered on a course for local adults who are not in training, employment or education. Adventures in Learning aims to boost people's confidence, self esteem, learning and prospects through activity and exercise. Hackney Council is working with local health and housing organisations to enlist people who might benefit from the scheme. So far, participants have included those suffering from, or recovering from, mental illness, and those who have experienced problems with substance or alcohol misuse.

The scheme offers canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, and health and fitness for Hackney residents aged 16 and over. Some sessions offer a free crèche facility to open up the course to those with parental responsibilities. The project will also raise awareness of local opportunities for further learning, qualifications and employment. Hackney Council is funding the scheme via a grant from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills' Transformation Fund - which provides grants for local projects focused on innovative ways of informal learning. Other partners involved are Genesis Community - a sector of a London housing association that runs community development programmes for its residents, GLL - the Borough's leisure centre operators, Castle Climbing Centre - a local climbing facility,  and On the Pulse Fitness Ltd - a small community enterprise.

Sessions take place throughout the week until the end of March and are free. For more information, or to book a place, visit the Hackney Council website: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure.htm, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone: 020 8356 2230.