Community champions recognised by Hackney Mayor

Mayor of Hackney Phillip Glanville recently presented community awards to 10 local residents at a special event to celebrate Black History Month.

Published: 12/11/2021

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The event, at our Pembury Community Centre, brought together more than 100 people who were celebrating the beauty and power of black history and culture from across Africa and the Caribbean. The awards were presented to recognise residents who have contributed to local community activities.

We are working in partnership with Hackney Council, Pembury Estate residents, health services and local charities, to improve the lives of 1,000 children and young people who live locally, as part of the 10-year Pembury Children’s Community programme.

Pembury resident Esther Jordan received an award for her outstanding work in setting up the Pembury Parent Champion group. This helps local parents to support each other and also connects them to essential services.

Esther said: “I love being a Parent Champion and working with other Pembury residents who have children who go to school in Hackney. The purpose of the group is to make sure other families have access to all the fantastic local services available in the borough.

"For example, we signpost parents to after school clubs, services that help with school applications and help them access affordable child care. It’s amazing what’s out there but also a bit shocking how few people know what’s available for them. Even I’ve learnt so much more about the breadth of local services through the Parent Champion Training.”

Cllr Caroline Woodley, Cabinet Member for Families, Early Years, Parks and Play, and Stephen Howlett CBE, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, also attended the event, which offered a range of activities and performances including a steel band, African drumming and market stalls selling items from black-owned businesses.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, said: "We are very proud of the cultural and ethnic diversity in Hackney where we acknowledge Black history 365 days a year. I was delighted to present these awards and celebrate some of the fantastic contributions from our community champions of African and Caribbean descent who live on the Pembury Estate and work with the children’s community.

"This Black History Season, it is yet another opportunity to honour and support our diverse Black communities and to recognise and show appreciation for the heritage and culture we have here in the borough."

Stephen Burns, our Executive Director for Care & Communities added: “We are proud to be hosting this event celebrating the rich and powerful stories of black members in our community and their stories from across Africa and the Caribbean.

“The Pembury Community Centre serves as a hub of activity for the community, celebrating the achievements of the local residents and improving the lives of the children and young people and their families living on and around the Pembury estate.”