Lesley Allen presented with Mayor of Lewisham's Outstanding Recognition Award
The Mayor of Lewisham’s Outstanding Recognition Award is presented to inspiring individuals from Lewisham who have done the borough exceptionally proud and inspired others to aim high.
Lesley was presented with the prestigious award at a meeting of Full Council last week by Damien Egan, the Mayor of Lewisham. She is the second person to receive such an award from him, the first being Alex Yee for his success in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Lesley co-ordinates the Diamond Club, a Catford-based charity that has been bringing together and tackling loneliness in older residents over the past 20 years. The Diamond Club was so popular it had a waiting list of people to join, so Lesley partnered with local churches to establish Bring Me Sunshine and reach more older people in Catford.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and people were isolated and unable to gather in person, Lesley and her volunteers leapt into action to support older residents. Every week volunteers delivered magazines, activities and gift bags to older residents to keep them engaged and ensure that they had someone to talk to. At the height of the pandemic, those volunteers were often the only visitors that older people had and were a lifeline in times of uncertainty.
Lesley and her volunteers have also been working to expand older residents’ digital access – delivering specialist videos that can be followed by residents with dementia and hosting interactive Zoom sessions.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
“On behalf of Lewisham Council, I want to congratulate Lesley on her amazing community achievements. I am delighted that we are able to recognise her fantastic work supporting older residents with this award. Lesley’s name comes up often when I speak to older residents and she really has been a lifeline for many.
“The enthusiasm and energy that Lesley has given to galvanise the wonderful community response during the pandemic is inspiring. Together with her volunteers, she is helping to leave behind a legacy where all of our older residents are active, empowered and happy.”
Lesley Allen said:
“I am delighted and honoured to receive this award for my contribution to outreach to older people in the Borough of Lewisham. I share the award with the wonderful team of sunshine volunteers whose giving of time, talent and treasures have been constant. Mayor Egan’s recognition of what I’ve done during this challenging pandemic time has touched me and I am very grateful that he is committed to the welfare of our older people and the need to keep hope alive through joy and cheer despite the difficult challenges they are faced with.”
Lewisham Council is also recognising the incredible efforts of dedicated local residents, businesses and organisations with the Mayor’s Awards for Voluntary Contributions 2022. Over 100 nominations this year, including for a number of the Diamond Club and Bring Me Sunshine’s volunteers. Nominees will be celebrated through a series of short films shared over the coming week via social media.