The Young Mayor

Noora for Young Mayor of Lewisham: A Manifesto for Youth, by Youth. 

Lewisham is home to a vibrant, diverse, and creative generation of young people. Yet, far too often, we are misunderstood, labelled, and sidelined. People may see our energy, our passion, and our voices, and call it “loud” or “disruptive.” They don’t always understand us, and instead of supporting us, they write us off as “gangs” or dismiss us as “crazy”. But this isn’t the full story. We are more than the labels others may put on us. We are the future of this borough, and we deserve spaces where we can thrive, grow, and just be young. 

As Young Mayor of Lewisham, I am committed to making sure the youth of this borough are seen, heard, and valued. My manifesto is simple: create more spaces for young people, so we can be ourselves without judgment. 

Hello, my name is Halimat Adebayo and I am contesting for the Young Mayor of Lewisham because I believe that everyone should be able to live in a safe, secure place without worrying about getting robbed or stabbed on our streets. If I am elected as the Young Mayor, I would ensure that the safety of Lewisham improves massively, by prevailing on the Mayor Brenda Dacres to create safe havens (libraries and shops) for young people to go if they feel unsafe for uncomfortable. This is very significant, because I personally feel vulnerable when walking home from school as I am always looking behind to see if there’s anyone coming to hurt me, especially during winter. I will feed back to the young people of Lewisham by using social media such as Whatsapp, Snapchat or Tiktok, so you can be alerted when this action has taken place. I believe that I am the best person for the job because I was Deputy Head Girl in my primary school, my dad is a lawyer, who also encouraged me to run for this position and that Lewisham needs to become a better place to live in. Have a great day. Stay safe! 

I chose to stand as a candidate for Young Mayor of Lewisham because significant changes can be made to improve our community. This role will also help me develop my leadership skills and gain insight into the different perspectives of Lewisham residents on what needs to be improved, especially in our schools and local areas. One major issue I want to address is the rising cost of food in our schools. We all know that education is vital, and part of that education is ensuring children have access to healthy meals. With food costs increasing, many families are struggling to provide meals for their children, making it harder for them to focus on learning. I am committed to working on solutions to reduce food costs in schools so that every child, regardless of background, can enjoy meals that fuel their minds and bodies. 

Additionally, a clean environment is crucial for students’ wellbeing. That’s why I propose hiring more cleaners in schools and throughout Lewisham. Clean classrooms and bathrooms promote a positive learning atmosphere.  

Finally, heating issues in schools can cause discomfort, especially in winter. I am committed to investing in better heating systems, ensuring all students can learn in a comfortable environment. These changes will benefit everyone in Lewisham.

If I was elected, I would like to improve the life of young people in Lewisham. With your votes I promise to include you in decision making in order to make Lewisham a more inclusive and safer place to live in. I hope to do this by creating more clubs where you can voice your opinion and have a say on matters that actually affect you. 

Secondly, I would like to include a larger area for extracurricular activity like basketball courts or even chess. This way you get opportunities to develop your skills and even socialise you with other young people.  

Thirdly, I also want young people to understand diversity in Lewisham because I don’t want anyone to feel left out just because of their race, disability or background. I could encourage natural hair day or cultural food sales day where everyone is allowed to take part, and I would give half the money to charity for people with disabilities so they can access the help they need.  

Finally, I want to prioritise mental health by creating a safe space where young people can access free workshops and normalise conversations about mental health. 

I believe that the future of a nation, a community, an area, is heavily dependant on the futures of the youth. During my primary school days my mother worked hard at home to raise me as best as she could, when she could; she worked hard out of doors well into the night. She couldn’t do both at the same time, so as a result I went to Lewisham Library almost every day until it closed for the day and now for the foreseeable future.

My time was spent with older figures so I differentiated from my age group. I want a youth club to be ran after school, giving kids like me a place to learn, play, thrive and belong. This will instil a sense of togetherness in the people and teach the young people invaluable life lessons which will become the foundations of their great character.

I am in the Future Leaders programme to give back to my people. I am a great public speaker. I will receive feedback via social media. My hopes are that one day Lewisham will be a household name that we can globally brag about.

I want to run as the Young Mayor of Lewisham because I am passionate about making a positive impact in our community, especially for young people. Volunteering at Sommerville Youth Centre in New Cross has given me valuable experience with the youth, and I’ve seen firsthand the need for better facilities and more activities. I would focus on upgrading our youth centre to create a more vibrant space where young people feel welcome and engaged. 

I envision adding new resources like a gaming area, art studios, and spaces for workshops that will help foster creativity and collaboration. We could also organize more events, such as talent shows, sports tournaments, and community projects that encourage teamwork and build friendships. Additionally, I believe we need more youth clubs across Lewisham to provide safe spaces for socialising, learning, and personal development. 

I am hardworking, attentive, and dedicated to listening to the needs of my peers. My experience has taught me the importance of being approachable and understanding, which I believe are key qualities for a Young Mayor. I would work closely with schools to enhance programs that support students and promote mental wellbeing, such as mentoring and after-school activities. Furthermore, I want to create opportunities for young people to get involved in decision-making processes, ensuring that we have a say in the issues that affect us. I believe that by working together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, I believe we can create a thriving environment for all young people in Lewisham! 

My name is Jeremiah Ayodele and as a long-standing member of the Lewisham community, I truly understand the gaps, struggles and disadvantages that us as youth face. I am here to potentially put an end to it.  

Firstly, I will bring to light the lack of our youth voices being acknowledged. I will amend this issue by going to schools around the borough and surveying students, then pass their opinions onto our councillors.  

Secondly, I will improve how comfortable and safe we feel at school. I will do this by working closely with youth establishments and charities within our borough i.e. CC Foundation. As students we should never feel unsafe in a place of education as school is a key stage of life which allows young people to push themselves to their full potential.  

Lastly, I want to and will open young people’s minds to the various opportunities around England and even globally, so they are not limited to the surrounding environment. I will do this by normalising trips abroad and introducing young people to career paths which I have embarked on. I believe that every single member of our borough has a purpose of value and an ever so bright future. I want to help youth in Lewisham become future leaders and find their life purpose. Your vote is your participation to see the change we all want. 

Hi, my name is Caprice-Maitai and I’m running to be elected your next Young Mayor of Lewisham. I’m just like you. I’ve lived in Lewisham all my life. I know what it’s like to be a young person in Lewisham, because despite me standing in front of you today, I am still one. I also know what it feels like to not have a voice, and so that’s why I’m so determined to give all of you that chance. Some may see my age as a disadvantage, but I see it as an opportunity.

• To be able to create change, we must first adopt the idea of change. And the first change I want to make is to provide more mentoring and counselling for young people. I know how it feels to have no one to talk to, and so I want to give all youths the opportunity to speak their minds in a private and safe way. Doing this myself has benefited me so well and as the saying goes; a problem shared is a problem halved. 
• Another thing I’d like to address as Young Mayor is crime prevention. Stats from Crimerate.co.uk show “Lewisham is the third most dangerous borough in London. The overall crime rate in Lewisham in 2023 was 135 crimes per 1,000 people.” That was only last year knife crime and gang related incidents were such a big thing here in Lewisham. I want to put crime prevention strategies in place to aid young people in being recognised for the good things they can achieve.  
• There are many young people struggling to obtain food, toiletries and school supplies. I want to expand on the bank of things organisation to provide as many kids with supplies as possible.

The C in my name stands for change. When Caprice is in charge, Lewisham transforms. 

My name is Miguel and one of the first things I‘m planning to do as Young Mayor is to work alongside the Metropolitan Police. I will ask for police to be more around the place as there is too much violence on the streets. I will try to stop knife crime as too many people lose their lives by it. I’d also like to work with the NHS to stop vaping for young people as it will affect their health later in life.  

Vote for Miguel. My future is your future.  

Hello, my name is Atarah, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Young Mayor of Lewisham 2025. One of my top priorities is improving safety within our community. I plan to advocate for additional streetlights, particularly during the winter months when darker evenings can create an environment where crime is more likely to occur. Everyone deserves to feel secure, no matter where they are in Lewisham.  

Education is another critical issue I am passionate about. Having attended two schools in Lewisham, I have witnessed firsthand the stark differences in the quality of education. This disparity is unacceptable, as every young person deserves access to excellent education to equip them for a world increasingly shaped by inflation and economic challenges. Our youth must be prepared to thrive in the modern economy, and I will work tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind. 

Most importantly, I want to hear from you–the youth of Lewisham. Your ideas and opinions matter, and I am committed to representing your voices in decision-making. This campaign is about creating a better Lewisham for young people, not just for adults. 

I’m Atarah, and I hope to earn your vote as Young Mayor of Lewisham 2025. Together, we can create a safer, stronger, and brighter future. 

Hi, I’m Ailbhe Cooke and I’m running for Young Mayor as I want to make an impact on the lives of young people across Lewisham.  

A couple of ways I plan to do this is to introduce sessions in youth clubs for immigrant youths to help them socialise in an otherwise difficult time with youths who are experiencing the same thing. I also plan to assist underprivileged young people across Lewisham by providing gym memberships and cooking classes at soup kitchens for those who otherwise cannot obtain food. 

Vote Ailbhe Cooke 2025, let’s make Lewisham great together. 

Hi, my name is Laynie and I’m from Trinity secondary school, and this statement will tell you what I am passionate about. I am passionate about helping understand Special Educational Needs more to help more people with SEN. If I am Young Mayor, I will open up more clubs for SEN kids and set up more assemblies and more interventions about SEN. 

I will be holding assemblies informing people about the action that has been taken. 

I think I am best for this role as I have grown up with and around SEN, so I feel I have an open minded perspective on the people of Lewisham and want to help them. 

Another reason why you should vote for me is I am a very strong leader. Examples of this are I have been a buddy and I am a house captain, which are leadership roles. I am not afraid to speak for what is right. 

Thank you for listening and remember vote Laynie for Young Mayor. 

Hello, my name’s Kyrrah and I would like to be your 2025 Young Mayor. I’ve seen that young people are unheard and deserve to express themselves. In order for me to fix this I would like to propose three things: 

1. Have community places where young people can socialise with their friends and even make new friends, so they have a sense of belonging e.g. more youth clubs. 
   
   
2. Hold group sessions to help young people have an idea on what career paths to follow with the help of specialised career advisors. 
   
   
3. Finally, have workshops that introduce young people to money management skills to help them in the future. 

If I was elected as Young Mayor, there are three ideas I would like to work on within our community: 

1. Programs that educate young individuals in our community on how to start their own businesses and create job opportunities within their own personal interests and ideas. The benefits of this are that it will allow young people to gain valuable skills outside of a classroom that they can use in the real world to aid their personal growth and development. 
   
   
2. My second goal is to create an environment where young individuals, as well as the community, can express their faith and religion and gain awareness about other religion’s boundaries, tolerances and traditions, which can help bring a sense of unity without violence and conflict brought about by religious differences. 
   
   
3. Last but not least, my third goal is to improve the development of parks. Many residents, as well as young individuals, want to experience the parks they used to enjoy but cannot because of the poor treatment these parks have been left in. I will do this so that people are able to relive the moments they once had but in a safer, comfortable community they can enjoy. 

This is my campaign statement and thank you for listening. 

I want to be your symbol of change. Vote for me to make Lewisham a better place. 

lf I, Shinequa, were elected as Young Mayor of Lewisham, there are three key areas I would focus on to improve our community. 

1. Youth engagement and opportunities
   
   I would work to ensure every young person in Lewisham has access to opportunities, whether through more local job placements or youth clubs. I believe that encouraging young people to contribute to the community helps them feel valued and opens doors for future success.
   
   
2. Environment
   
   We can do more to protect and enhance our local environment. I would push for more green spaces, better recycling facilities, and initiatives that engage young people in environmental awareness, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for everyone.
   
   
3. Mental health support
   
   Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing young people today. I would work to ensure that mental health services are easily accessible for everyone, with more support in schools and in youth centres, creating a stronger team for those in need. 

By focusing on these three areas, I aim to create an environment within Lewisham, where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. 

Growing up in Lewisham has given me a strong love for our borough and its young people.  

My greatest aspiration is to change the perception of young people in Lewisham. Finding work can be tough for many young people – I experienced this myself when I struggled to secure a job despite my determination. With a lot of free time and limited opportunities, young people often face unfair assumptions about their potential. I’m passionate about creating pathways for us to channel our energy and showcase our talents and ambition. Together, we can implement programmes and initiatives that reflect our potential. One example includes career workshops with local tradespeople and professionals, providing young people with insight into various career paths and practical skills. Another idea is creating mentorship programmes that connect students with inspiring role models from our borough, fostering confidence and ambition.  

It’s time to prove that we’re more than what others expect–we’re the future of this borough! 

Hi, my name is Majeedah and I would like to be the next Young Mayor. There are many things that I strive to do if elected. One of them being, making Lewisham a more inclusive place in which young people feel confident enough to be able to reach their full potential. I would do this by introducing clubs and competitions so that young people are able to showcase their skills. I will also involve young people in decision making processes. I believe that confidence is one of the major factors stopping young people from maximising opportunities given to them and being able to make more for themselves. So, if I become Young Mayor, I would like to help young people build confidence. Another thing I would like to do if elected is make sure that young people don’t suffer in silence. I feel that mental health is rapidly declining and if this is not taken care of it can lead to self-harm and even suicide. As a young person in Lewisham, I see what people around me experience on a daily basis.  

If I am elected, I will try to make Lewisham a safer place for all.  

Hi, my name is Mary-Kate. I am here before you to address three key areas if given the opportunity of becoming a Young Mayor of Lewisham, to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of our community. My time as a mayor will primarily focus on safety, community outreach and education support/career guidance. 

• Safety is the foundation of a thriving community we must prioritise neighbourhood watch, community policing partnerships, and implement more community safety measures. 
• Next, community outreach will play a vital role in closing the gaps within our community. By establishing stronger communities with the local organisations, we can extend our resources to create community-based work programs, aimed at helping people gain valuable skills and experience. 
• Lastly, educational support and career guidance are crucial for the future of our youths and community. I will advocate and collaborate with schools to provide additional tutoring, career guidance, or coaching and employability. I will also advocate for after school programs and partner with local businesses. 

In conclusion, by working together on these five key areas, we can create a stronger, more resilient community. Together, let us commit to fostering an environment where every individual feels safe, supported and empowered to succeed. 

Thank you for your attention. 

What’s good, Lewisham? 

My name is Jeishan, and I’m running this year for Young Mayor of Lewisham. One thing I will do when I get elected as Young Mayor is to have assemblies and lessons to help inform others about scams and dangers on the internet, as I believe that we don’t get taught enough about this. I will also help to solve youth violence and help young people feel safe in Lewisham, by organising youth clubs, help stop vaping and making our parks more engaging. Lastly, I will organise a bike race across Lewisham to raise money for charity. I hope you vote for me. 

When I become Young Mayor, I intend to implement the use of digital tools in all schools in Lewisham. This will hopefully encourage more happier and helpful learning for all young people. I want many to have access to high-speed internet and devices. I want to make sure that all pupils are given fair and equal opportunity to maximise their learning. 

Secondly, I would like to set up more accessible first aid workshops as crime can never be prevented but its impacts can.  

Finally, it is okay, to not know what to do in life. But I want to set up young people’s futures for the better by introducing an educational scheme that will allow students to get a deep insight into university life, apprenticeships, and life outside school, available for all.  

I know that I would make an ideal Young Mayor as I am someone deeply invested in the growth and prosperity of Lewisham. My priority is to ensure every voice is heard and every need is addressed. I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. 

I want to be Young Mayor: I have at least one thing in common with the young people of my community, we are students. 

As a student, I want to improve the overall experience of school for kids, through campaigning to give our young people more opportunities such as scholarships, work experience, trips and what the students actually want. 

Also focusing on the physical and mental wellbeing of students, by giving them the chance to do sports and creative activities, without being financially deprived, or demotivated and giving access to councillors and mentors within every school, so that every student can access support and advice when they need it. I want to campaign through charities, fundraisers and however else my community would suggest. 

No child should have to give up on a big dream or a small passion for any reason.  
I want to give the young people of my community a pedestal for their voice to be listened to and their preferences to acted on. 

Hi, my name is Khadija Konie, if I were elected Young Mayor of Lewisham, I would prioritise increasing funding for mental health services. I’ve personally experienced using CAHMS and I had a positive experience, however some have had negative experiences or are even unable to receive an appointment. I believe youth voices deserve to be heard. 59% of young people feel they would have benefited from support to help manage their feelings at certain points of their lives, therefore I would open more youth spaces to provide safe and inclusive environments for socialising such as skate parks, as it’s a big part of young people’s interest and so it’s a way to relate with others in the same age group.  

I would also promote community engagement in order to provide an alternative to gang involvement. Lewisham is among the boroughs most affected by youth violence. To try tackle this, I would develop programs that combine physical activity and mentorship.  

Lastly, I would push for increased funding to improve school facilities and options for students, Lewisham has fewer opportunities for apprenticeships than other boroughs limiting pathways for students who don’t or are unable to go to university or sixth form. 

Yo Lewisham my name is Jimaine Lee and as the Young Mayor, I would strive to create a place where young people feel valued and heard.  

The top three things I would do if I was Mayor is help improve community engagement, which can mean getting young residents involved in local activities for charity which will strengthen our community.  

My next point is promoting sustainability initiatives, which means working on projects that protect the environment like increasing recycling, supporting green spaces and encouraging the use of renewable energy.  

My final point is about diversity. When it comes to fun and games, I will focus on stabilising safe spaces within the community where people can do public art projects that reflect the diversity of the community. Also, sports days featuring groups and activities from around the world which will encourage teamwork and friendly competition while celebrating different cultures.  

As Young Mayor I promise to inspire change and bring our community together so vote for me, Jimaine Lee. 

When people think of Lewisham they think loud, rough and ghetto. But after living in Lewisham, I have realised that our ‘loud’ voices need a stage to be amplified. 

My name is Hannah and to have your voice lifted and that stigma shifted you should vote me for Young Mayor.  

We can all see Lewisham is changing and so is our future. But how much of a say have the youth really had?  

Allow me to be your bridge not to walk on but to connect us with those who make decisions and the older generation so we can level with them, and they can reason with us.  

I would focus on collaboration, to bring young people together to showcase and promote what young Lewisham has to offer and social events. Tapping into rap and lyricism, a language we all speak, sporting events in games we all play and hot topics we all talk about, through these events we can collaborate and celebrate.  

Lewisham, we are all full of character, not everyone knows it, people usually roll their eyes and criticise but with this platform, I would give a true insight into the real Lewisham, hearing from those voices that structure and build our borough.  

I’ve been Hannah and you should make the right choice. Help me help you amplify your voice.  

I am standing for Young Mayor of Lewisham to tackle three major issues. The first issue I’d like to address is the lack of youth clubs. Children have nothing productive to do after school, hence, they end wasting hours on their electronics.  
In my opinion, this causes our youth to become unproductive. If they spent the same amount of time learning a new skill this could be beneficial for their future.  

Another issue is to increase street lighting around alleyways and tunnels. This would ensure the safety of young children being aware of their surroundings. Last summer my friend was heading home but realised she was being followed. She panicked and ran to an alleyway. Due to poor lighting, she couldn’t see if anyone was around to help. It was a horrifying situation for her to be in.  

Lastly, I would like to raise an awareness about mental health for young children. I would work alongside community organisations, or schools to set up workshops, counselling, and peer support groups. 

I am the best for the job because I am empathetic and easily approachable. I hope to make a real change. 

Hi, my name is Shania, I currently attend Trinity secondary school and I’m running for Young Mayor. My aim is to try and help young people within our community as I know there are pressing issues amongst people my age. I would like to help provide a safe space with adequate facilities for young people to thrive in. I also intend to try and bring awareness to things that are already available but don’t get enough light.  

Some of the things I would like to help provide are:

1. Counselling sessions, group activity and if possible individual sessions, as I have noticed an increase in the amount of people who are experiencing serious mental health issues. There are currently a lot of people who don’t have outlets to express their thoughts and feeling a lot also lack the guidance and support at home.
    
2. I would like to do drop-in workshops / clubs offering a range of different activities and also something surrounding social media as it’s where I feel a lot of my generation may flourish, an example being marketing and promotion.
   
   
3. I would also try and help with homelessness as there is an unbelievable amount of young people who currently don’t have a safe and permanent place to live.
   
   
4. I wish to develop a project that will enable myself and my peers to find mentors facilities and counselling for those who need it.

The first thing I want to change is making sure everyone feels safer by making police officers stay in the local area as crime has increased in the local area.  

Another thing I would want to do is help charities raise money like the 999 Club who help people in poverty or about to be. This is because people who are struggling need some help getting back on their feet.  

Lastly, I want to improve schools by getting better equipment to improve learning. 

I believe that every young person in Lewisham deserves the chance to reach their potential. If elected I will focus on some key areas to improve our schools and community:

I believe it’s important to have more diverse food options in schools that cater for all religious and dietary needs. I would ask school caterers to meet with pupils and to meet with pupil representatives from across Lewisham schools – it should be fair for all of us.

The youth of Lewisham needs more opportunities to engage in sporting activities that help develop teamwork and a sense of community, as well as physical health.

I’d also try to ensure more school pupils without money get the chance to go on school trips abroad to help develop their life experiences and independence with extra funding for those who need it.

I will campaign for young people with a learning difficulty or disability to have access to the support that they need. With the right support every student can reach their potential.

I’m not just talking about these issues. I’m passionate about making a difference
and I’m ready to work hard for all of you.

I’m ready to be your voice and stand for the changes we need.

My name is Kye Mullings. I’m 13 years old. When you guys vote for me, I will create a safer environment for the youth, encourage more of the youth to stay active and expand young minds. I’m here to turn dreams into reality. 

My target is to create a safe space for children between the ages of 11–16 by providing a youth club in Lewisham borough. Here, my aim is to provide free hot meals for everyone, free tutoring, and a safe environment. It will also include sports equipment and inclusive activities to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for all of you to socialise with one another. I believe that this is important because firstly it gets our youth of the streets. Secondly, it could potentially reduce the rate of knife crime and robberies in the borough. Lastly, I aim to build confidence within our youth. 

My second aim would be to encourage more young people to engage and participate in sports  or additional activities to stay active. This would be achieved by implementing skateathons or charity events such as charity matches for both genders. This is important because staying active builds mental strength, endurance, and self-esteem. 

My third and final aim is to provide free help with homework and tutoring to children who need or want it for them to excel in their education. I prioritise this because I believe that no child should  
be left behind in their journey to success. 

When I’m Young Mayor I will ensure that all of my promises are fulfilled, and I’ll make Lewisham the best it can be. Remember a vote for me is a vote for a better Lewisham. Vote for Kye Mullings to be your Young Mayor. Confidence is key so put your confidence in me. 

I am running for Young Mayor of Lewisham. I have three main topics I will focus on: 

1. Mental health 
2. Young people’s rights 
3. Our climate 

Young people’s mental health is a critical issue and more must be done to address it. Studies have shown that art therapy and yoga can boost mental health. I propose that schools are given funding to provide both, to support young people. 

Young people need to know their rights. The number of young people having negative interactions with the police must be dealt with. I aim to improve community cohesion through working with local charities to deliver training to young people in schools, about stop and search  
and our legal rights. I would also work with the police on youth engagement schemes. 

Lastly, our climate. I would organise litter picking groups and school workshops about how we  
can tackle climate change. I also want to introduce green pledges in schools. Every day our  
planet becomes more susceptible to the loss of animal habitats, super storms, droughts, rising  
oceans and melting ice caps. We need to act now! 

As Young Mayor, I will ensure that young people’s voices are heard as we are the future! 

1. Skills4life
   
   I will work to create more opportunities to prepare young people for the future. There are two ways I plan to do this:
   Build a service where people can receive support for basic life needs.
   Career support – I want to work with local organisations to build young people employment skills 
   
   
2. Community
   
   Build a strong community by continuing our sporting events but adding new events such as music, dance and drama helping more young people connect with each other.
   
   
3. Health and wellbeing
   
   There are two youth hubs for young people aged 13–19 where they can get support for physical, mental and sexual health but they are not well known; as Young Mayor I want to increase the advising of them and create another youth hub.
   
   
4. My final campaign point is celebrating achievements: Lewisham has some of the most talented, resilient and capable young people and I want to recognise those achievements by building something called the ‘Young Mayor Award Scheme’.

Follow me on socials - Ms4_ym.

Hi Lewisham! I’m Nielle Springer and I am running to be your next Young Mayor because teenage mental health matters. I’ve seen friends of mine struggle and I’ve felt the pressure myself. We deserve better support.  

A friend of mine struggled with anxiety through schoolwork. They didn’t know where to turn and felt completely alone. This made me realise how many teens feel this way and that’s why I’m stepping up to be the voice of those who feel unheard – but I’m not just here to talk about the problem, I’m here to fix it. Here’s how: 

1. Safe spaces: I’ll create teen-led support groups in schools where we can talk and connect without fear of judgement.  
2. Raising awareness: I’ll lead creative campaigns – TikTok videos, social media challenges, school events, to make mental health an open conversation. 
3. Better support: I’ll work to increase school counsellors and push for free access to online mental health resources. I understand the challenges we face, and I have the passion to make change happen. Vote for me, and together we will make mental health a priority! 

Hi, my name is Olara Stoute-Bellamy and I am running for Lewisham Young Mayor 2025 because I believe young people should have safe spaces where they’re able to have fun, learn and socialise. I also think there should be more resources for students, using laptops and stationery that they may not have access to at school or home.  

My third and last thing I would like to work on is making more opportunities for young people to get the experience of working in the communitiy, with the pros of getting financial rewards. I will feedback to the young people of Lewisham and have an opinion on things that matter most. As a young person, I feel like we are not often heard, even though everything that goes on affects us and our future.  

I believe I am a great person for the job because I am fair, confident, and kind, making sure I stand by my word. Everyone deserves to be heard and I’m the one to listen and represent your voice. 

Hello, my name is Addis and I am running for the Young Mayor of Lewisham. I saw the position of Young Mayor at school and I am running for Young Mayor of Lewisham because I want to make an impact in our community. I want to represent unheard people.  

As a Young Mayor I want to change a few things. First, I will make sure that homeless people have food every day. I will help set up food stations to make sure every person gets a meal.  

Secondly, I will focus on young people’s mental health by doing mental health workshops to improve their condition.  

Lastly, we need more youth clubs where people with SEN can have fun and feel supported. Also, there should be different varieties of youth clubs like art, music, board games, films, e-sports and so much more. Youth clubs allow for people to make long lasting friendships. 

Running for Young Mayor of Lewisham is something I’ve wanted to do since I started secondary school. As I would like to be the voice for Lewisham youth while making a contribution to my community.  

If elected, I would prioritise the mental health of youth through positive activities. Being an aspiring footballer, I have noticed that there aren’t any parks within Lewisham with public astro-turf pitches, meaning there is limited space for training and playing with friends. This is something I would like to address.  

Additionally, being a year 10 student, I feel the work experience offered often places us at a disadvantage. I would aim to collaborate with local businesses to create opportunities to help gain more experience and create better opportunities for the future. Lastly, I would like to re-introduce fun in Lewisham overall. I would explore this by hosting community events such as sports tournaments and school competitions across the borough. I would engage with and update the young people of Lewisham through social media platforms and school presentations.  

To conclude I am the best candidate as my face represents the youth of Lewisham and I would like to show others that they too can step out of the stereotype.  

My first priority is ensuring free period products are available in female bathrooms across schools and public facilities. Period poverty is a silent crisis that affects many young people, and providing these essentials will help ensure dignity, equality, and comfort for all. 

Secondly, I will champion efforts to support local food banks during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. By encouraging donations of food and money, we can come together as a community to support those struggling to make ends meet. No one in Lewisham should go hungry, and collective action can make a difference. 

Another vital part of my vision is empowering young people with the tools they need for adulthood. I propose creating projects that teach essential life skills, from financial literacy to self-care and independence. These programs will prepare our youth to face challenges and seize opportunities confidently. 

Finally, I aim to tackle the litter problem and fly-tipping across Lewisham. By working with the council and encouraging community pride, we can create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. Together, these ideas can make Lewisham a stronger, more vibrant borough.

Emmanuel was elected Young Mayor for the second time based on his online campaigning and digital presence. Throughout the year Emmanuel and the young advisers worked on youth violence, mental health, employment and business opportunities, reflecting the concerns of the community.

To address these issues, they built positive and meaningful partnerships with youth and health services, the police, faith groups and charities. After consultation with these partner agencies, Emmanuel and the advisers presented their budget to Mayor and Cabinet, agreeing to give the £25,000 budget in small pots so that young people, community groups and service providers could bid for small amounts of funding. A portion of the budget was also set aside for community groups and young people to address knife crime and serious youth violence.

Emmanuel and Deputy Young Mayor Hanna’s campaigns built on the support and work of the young advisors, who engaged the broader community locally, nationally and in Europe.

During his year as Young Mayor, Liam showed his support of health services by joining the NHS youth forum and taking part with his young advisers in consultations about local services. They also worked on the HeadStart Lewisham project, helping to identify mental health needs and wellbeing support for young people in the borough.

They took part in a voter registration drive and, in particular, Liam supported the Votes at 16 campaign. The group also met with school councils, took part in intergenerational work and worked with partners like the police to represent young people’s views. Liam and the young advisers took part in regional and national debates and European projects concerning democracy and enterprise.

They also asked at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting to return £5,000 of the £30,000 budget in recognition of the government cuts which have affected the borough and partners. It was agreed that the budget would be spent on a young people’s funding pot. Liam and his advisers consulted local schools, youth clubs and organisations to identify priorities for young people in Lewisham. This included extending work experience opportunities and working with local shops to make them more accessible for people with additional needs.

Emmanuel's use of social media meant he had one of the highest number of votes ever cast in a young mayor election.

During his term in office, Emmanuel worked with his Young Advisors, schools and youth groups across the borough to create projects and ideas using his £30,000 budget. This included a very popular performing arts showcase held at the TNG Youth and Community Centre, which had over 400 young people attending. 

Other proposals that were developed included improving sports and parks facilities and putting on more inter-school/inter-club competitions and events, a disability awareness programme and creating more employment opportunities through apprenticeships and work experience.

Jamel is hoping to set up a mentoring and work experience programme to support young people’s aspirations to be successful. The programme will include identifying a range of partners and possible mentors to take part from corporate, public and community sectors, as well as recruiting young people from schools/colleges and community organisations to take part in a mentoring scheme to gain new experiences, develop understanding of different careers and raise aspirations.

Jamel has contributed to events including promoting the City Safe Haven campaign and the 10,000 Hands project, taking part in discussions with local primary school councils about how to get involved in decision making, and helping promote the Young Mayor’s Enterprise Project - as well as visiting Lewisham's twin town in France, the commune of Antony, Paris.

Kieran was elected ahead of 17 other candidates. Kieran's campaign saw him visit several schools and youth clubs across the borough with a focus on helping to bridge the gap between different age groups and presenting young people in a positive light.

Kieran attended several events both in London and abroad including trips to Poland and Sweden to share ideas about youth democracy and meeting HRH Princess Anne at UK Youth's Hearing Unheard Voices celebration at St James's Palace.

Kieza was elected ahead of 24 other candidates. Kieza's use of social media during his campaign enabled him to reach a wide range of voters and became a key component of his budget proposals including the launch of the Young Mayor's YouTube channel.

In the summer of Kieza's year as Young Mayor many parts of the UK were hit by riots. Kieza played a key role in making sure young people of Lewisham were able to share their views on the disturbances at Young Citizens' Panel meetings and also with leading politicians including Ed Miliband, Yvette Cooper and Sadiq Khan.

Jacob was elected ahead of 15 other candidates in a tightly fought campaign which focused on giving young people the opportunity to have their say on issues affecting them and providing access to mentoring for their future careers.

Jacob worked with a wide range of groups locally and internationally including meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma during his state visit, filming a documentary for Japanese TV channel NHK and laying the foundations for the Young People's Chamber of Commerce as part of his Young Mayor's budget.

Miguel was elected ahead of 19 other candidates. During his campaign Miguel focused on a wide range of issues including housing for young people, work with young offenders and activities outside of school.

Miguel also highlighted the issue of community safety and laid the foundations for the intergenerational work which has since been a key role for the Young Mayor.

Justin Cole's commitment was to developing young people’s involvement in the wider community and with older people. Justin and the young advisers wanted to show that young people could contribute to Lewisham through community events such as block parties, fun days, drama projects and events for older people.

During Justin’s term he put together performances and a mix tape around young people’s concerns and hopes, generated from debates and conferences. These were seen as ways of showing what young people were doing as well as allowing them to influence and direct the priorities of future Young Mayor’s and advisers.

Siobhan Bell (left) was the first young woman to be elected Young Mayor in the UK and Lewisham. Throughout Siobhan’s term she was supported by her Deputy Luziane (right) and they both had concerns that young people were portrayed negatively in the media, and the positive contributions of young people were not being acknowledged.

Siobhan and Luziane set their budget priorities around celebrating young people’s creativity and achievements. This was achieved by developing club nights and workshops across the borough, enabling young people to get their voices heard through school councils, youth clubs, the Young Citizens Panel and local forums.

Wilf Petherbridge pledged to carry on the work of Manny and the young advisers. He wanted to build on and enhance their priorities to improve access to creative and performance opportunities for young people.

During his term, Wilf developed the youth village and stage at People's Day and the young people’s band/performance night. Alongside the young advisers he chaired and held a youth cabinet meeting in Downing Street with the Prime Minister and Cabinet on youth issues. He also worked with Manny to have the programme nationally recognised via the Beacon scheme which is a first for youth engagement.

Manny Hawks was the first Young Mayor for Lewisham, elected in April 2004. He set the template for the future development of the programme. Manny worked with his young advisers to support events for and by young people, as well as represent the views and aspirations of young people to politicians, service providers and the wider community.

The main priorities for Manny were safety (setting up the be safe feel safe workshops), the TxtBk service for young people to find out what services were available, delivering information online, a rehearsal space for bands and performers, and the 10x10 cricket competition for primary schools.