Lewisham Mayor Announces Urban Synergy as Borough’s Charity for 2024
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Lewisham Mayor Brenda Dacres announced Urban Synergy as the borough’s official charity for the year 2024. The local youth empowerment charity has been chosen for its outstanding work in helping over 27,000 young people unlock their full potential.
At the Full Council meeting on July 17, Mayor Brenda Dacres shared her excitement about partnering with Urban Synergy and the positive impact it will have on the youth in Lewisham. She stated, “I have seen firsthand the difference their work makes in the lives of young people in Lewisham. Urban Synergy provides outstanding mentoring, school programs, and work experience opportunities that inspire, guide, and ignite young people’s ambitions. I am pleased to continue providing opportunities for the youth in Lewisham through this partnership.”
Urban Synergy focuses on providing support and opportunities for young people aged 9 to 24 who may not have access otherwise. The charity connects them with relatable role models, mentors, and industry-leading companies to help them reach their goals. This early support builds confidence and empowers young people to write their own futures.
In addition to announcing Urban Synergy as the Mayoral Charity for 2024, Mayor Dacres also presented the previous charity, Lewisham Foodbank, with a cheque for £22,848. The funds were raised through various fundraising efforts, including donations at the Broadway Theatre’s pantomimes, Christmas carol events, and the TCS London Marathon, run by Lewisham Council staff.
Leila Thomas, CEO and founder of Urban Synergy, expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the official charity partner, saying, “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 they deserve to make us proud. They are the future.”
Sarah Vitty, Project Manager of Lewisham Foodbank, also expressed her gratitude, stating, “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 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.
About Lewisham Council
Lewisham is a vibrant and culturally diverse borough that prides itself on its community spirit and activism. The council is committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier, and more economically sound future for all in Lewisham. This includes efforts to tackle climate change, ensure equal access to good health and well-being, and provide job opportunities and upskilling for residents. Lewisham has a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and is recognized as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for its work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
About Urban Synergy
Urban Synergy is an award-winning youth empowerment charity established in 2007. Through its early support and tailored programs, the charity has helped over 27,000 young people aged 9 to 24 reach their potential. Urban Synergy connects young people with aspirational but relatable role models, industry-leading companies, and mentors to inspire and guide them towards their ambitions. The charity works collaboratively with partners to empower young people and create a more equitable world. For more information, visit their website.
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