Mayor's Community Awards honours the borough's community champions in a night of celebration
The event, held at the Council Chamber in the Civic Suite, was a memorable occasion recognising the incredible efforts of those who selflessly dedicate their time to making a difference in the community.
This year, the awards received over 250 nominations from across the borough, showcasing the community spirit that makes Lewisham such a special place to live. The nominees, representing diverse sectors and backgrounds, included volunteers, community organisations, businesses, and individuals who go above and beyond to help others. Since its launch in 2017, the Community Awards scheme has highlighted these unsung community champions who work to support their neighbours, strengthen communities, and create positive change.
Throughout the evening, the remarkable achievements of four of Lewisham’s Community Champions were shared, with Mayor Brenda Dacres personally acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Each champion’s impactful work was showcased through a specially produced film. The videos highlighted:
- Young Person (21 and Under): Souljah Powell, recognised for his dedication to his community, received the Young Person Community Champion award.
- Individual: Trevor Pybus, for his tireless work supporting men’s mental health in Downham.
- Faith or Community Group: Plateful Café, for bringing the community together through food and cultural exchange.
- Business: Facework Group CIC, Hatcham House, awarded for its business’s contribution to local community initiatives.
You can watch their videos on the Lewisham Council YouTube channel.
In her opening speech, Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres reflected on the significance of the awards saying:
“I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who nominated individuals, community and faith groups and businesses for these Awards, and of course, congratulate all our fantastic nominees who make such a difference to our Borough and to our community. We are so fortunate to have so many outstanding organisations and individuals in the Borough who dedicate their time to making our community stronger.”
Time is one of the most precious things we can give, especially when it’s so easy to get caught up with our own lives, and it is truly inspiring to see so many of our residents making a difference to others, here in Lewisham.
As I reflect on this evening, I feel immensely proud to live in Lewisham, and honoured to be the Mayor of Lewisham – a borough where people are generous and selfless in their contributions to the community, and where each of you has played a part in improving others’ lives, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”
All nominees were presented with a certificate on the night in appreciation for their outstanding efforts. The evening concluded with a drinks reception where attendees captured the celebration in the dedicated ‘selfie corner,’ and sharing the moments with the hashtag #LewishamCommunityAwards24. Search the hashtag to see last night’s photos.
The Mayor’s Community Awards continues to be a testament to the borough’s strong community spirit, and it aims to inspire even more people to get involved and make a difference.