Lambeth Mayor Cllr Adedamola Aminu, said: “It’s a great honour to host the Lambeth Community Awards and recognise the amazing work done by residents of this borough which enhances other people’s lives.
“Whether it’s helping young people get jobs, improving the environment or creating a sense of community, the work of these nominees really makes Lambeth a better place to be and we are all extremely grateful for that.
“I know they are an inspiration to me and I hope they inspire many others to do great things in their community.”
Winners by category
1. Bringing your neighbourhood together award – Anthony Ellis
For creating the Streatham Bridge Business Association to offer advice and support to local businesses and residents following the closure of Streatham Bridge in 2012 to enable major works.
2. Making Lambeth safer community award – Edith Lewis
In her role as a Lambeth Street Pastor, encouraging young people back onto a safe and crime-free path.
Edith said: “Thank you to everyone who nominated me – it’s good to be appreciated, especially in Lambeth. I have done this work for a long time and have seen lots of changes in Lambeth since I started; changes that bring me so much joy. I’d like to thank all those workers who come out on the streets with me at night, this award is for all of them and it goes to show that if you keep working, one day you will achieve something.”
3. Helping people into jobs and training community award – Jeanette Pritchard
As founder of a group of businesses, Jeanette has been able to offer full time employment and encourages and inspires staff to continue developing with a view to progressing their careers.
Jeanette said: “This has been a great event and it’s so important to recognise everyone who is doing good work in Lambeth.”
4. Cleaner and greener community award – Mavis Horscroft
For her hard work and dedication to the Edmunsbury Estate which has included advocating for major improvements such as new roofs, windows, security doors and new play facilities for children. Also, May’s love of gardening and flowers has not only improved the appearance of the estate, but by reaching out to the community; has brought the younger and older generations together.
5. Keeping Lambeth healthy community award – Adrian Martin
For his role as a BMX racing head coach on behalf of Brixton BMX Club – Adrian has nurtured local talent to help produce regional, national, European and world champions. Through Adrian’s coaching skills, children learn to enjoy riding and reap the health benefits both physically and mentally including children with mental health and behavioural problems.
Adrian said: “I really want to adopt the idea of the Olympic legacy project and take this work further – into schools and getting younger children involved. I want to raise the profile of BMX racing in Lambeth and this award is a great start for that.”
6. Young person’s community award – Jay Cook
For his role as a volunteer for the BIGKID Foundation – through their football programme, Jay helps to recruit young local children and coaches them which led them to an undefeated Summer. Jay also spends time informally mentoring a few of the boys harnessing good relationships with them and their parents.
7. Lord Scarman award – David Dandridge
For his role as a leading member of the Clapham Common Management Advisory Committee and chairperson of Bandstand Beds; a community crop-growing project. David encourages the celebration of local diversity and inclusiveness resulting in a free annual event ‘Common People’ which David has organised to bring his local community together.
8. Voluntary or community organisation of the year award – Joy of Sound
Joy of Sound (JOS) is a charity promoting social inclusion through music and the creative arts. JOS works with disabled and impaired people of all ages and strives to find creative solutions towards the active engagement of people of all abilities in empowering and life enhancing activities.
Abigail said: “Joy of Sound is an incredibly inspiring charity and I’m so proud to work as a volunteer. It’s an honour to win the award and we just want to inspire more and more people to get involved and come and join us.”
Staying in touch
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Check out the twitter story from the Lambeth Community Awards:
