Nominations open for the Mayors Awards for Voluntary Contributions 2022
Lewisham residents are being urged to nominate inspiring community heroes who have made a big difference in the borough for the fifth annual Mayor’s Award for Voluntary Contributions. The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding efforts of local heroes whose selfless work often goes unseen.
With the effects of the pandemic still being felt across the borough, this year’s Award nominations will reflect the amazing contributions of inspirational residents, local businesses and organisations who have rallied around to support the vulnerable in our communities during this difficult time.
However, nominations can also be made for those who are working tirelessly in other ways to make a positive difference in Lewisham, such as: helping a neighbour in need; coaching a sports team; running a community choir; giving up free time to volunteer; incredible acts of selflessness; donating food; or going over and above in their job.
There are five awards open for nominations this year, including: Individual; Young Person; Business; and Community Group or Voluntary Organisation. And with Lewisham gearing up to be the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture for 2022, a new category has also been added: the Arts Champion award. This new award is for individuals or groups who are using creative activities to uplift and support local people, such as online arts activities and community engagement.
Nominations for the Mayor’s Awards for Voluntary Contributions close on Sunday 12 December. You can nominate your heroes online via the Lewisham Council website. Alternatively, if you require a paper application form with a freepost envelope, please contact ursula.goldfinger@lewisham.gov.uk.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
"Lewisham has a fantastic community spirit and there are so many people and organisations working every day to support others, especially over the past eighteen months. They are the unsung heroes of Lewisham whose contributions often go unrecognised, working quietly in the background, so these Awards are an opportunity to shout out loud about them. I look forward to seeing this year’s inspiring nominations.”
Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Business and Community Wealth Building, said:
“Lewisham is home to so many dedicated volunteers and every contribution, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. These Awards are about celebrating the very best of the borough. It’s our chance to say a collective thank you to all those organisations, businesses and individuals who have stepped up. I urge everyone to nominate their local heroes!”
Sujan Katuwal and Bandana Katuwal, owners of Panas Gurkha Restaurant, said:
“Giving back to the community, especially front line workers like NHS staff was important to us during lockdown. We couldn’t sit back and do nothing. We wanted to do our bit. We’re originally from Nepal and helping others is a big part of our culture. To be recognised for a Mayor’s Award was a very proud moment for us. It was completely unexpected and shows much support we receive locally. We are all there for each other in this community. It’s great to be a part of it.”
All entries will be considered by a panel of peers from across the borough. Finalists will be revealed after 16 December and winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March 2022. Everyone who is nominated for an Award will be acknowledged and recognised.
Sponsors for the Mayor’s Awards for Voluntary Contributions 2022 include Lewisham Local Collaborative; Phoenix Community Housing; Lewisham Homes; and Goldsmith’s, University of London.