Mayor Brenda Dacres announces Urban Synergy as Mayor of Lewisham's Charity for 2024

Urban Synergy work tirelessly to ensure young people aged nine to 24 can access opportunities they otherwise would not be able to. They inspire, guide, and ignite young people, as set out as their mission, to achieving their ambitions.  

Mayor Brenda Dacres said:
‘I have seen first-hand the difference their work makes to the lives of young people in Lewisham, by providing outstanding mentoring, school programmes, and work experience opportunities. They focus on early support to build confidence, and connect them with aspirational, yet relatable role models, mentors, and industry-leading companies. I am pleased that through this partnership we can continue to provide opportunities for young people in Lewisham.’  

The Mayor also announced that Leila Thomas, CEO of Urban Charity would be the new Mayoress for the upcoming year.  

Additionally, the Mayor also presented the previous charity – Lewisham Foodbank - with a cheque for £22,848 thanks to the generosity of local people. The money was raised through a range of fundraising efforts including donations at the Pantomimes held at the Broadway Theatre, Christmas Carols, and by Lewisham Council staff who ran London Marathon. 

Leila Thomas, CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy, said:
"I truly appreciate your dedication to empowering young people by choosing Urban Synergy as your official mayoral charity partner. Thank you for believing in the next generation. Your kindness and action today will give young people the opportunities that they deserve to make us proud. They are the future." 

Sarah Vitty, Project Manager, from Lewisham Foodbank said:
"We are grateful to have been Lewisham’s Mayoral Charity for 2023. We have been busier than ever, and our staff and volunteers have felt the increased demands on our foodbanks because of the cost-of-living crisis. We are a vital lifeline providing food and a range of other services, such as advice and energy vouchers, so we appreciate the spotlight our time as the Mayoral charity has given us. We are so thankful to Lewisham Council for the money they have raised, which has served us well in our commitment to alleviating food poverty in the borough.” 

For further information about the Mayor’s New Charity please contact CivicEvents@lewisham.gov.uk.