Young Lewisham Homes Resident Scoops Awards Night

Aged 11, Sachen received the Council’s Young Volunteer award. His remarkable contribution was further recognised when he was selected for the Mayor’s Award, given to the most outstanding volunteer amongst the evening's winners.

Sachen’s awards are a result of his extraordinary achievement in transforming a derelict piece of land adjoining his block of flats into a safe play area and green space for local children and residents to enjoy.

To achieve his goals, Sachen has:

• Prepared a questionnaire and undertaken a door-to-door survey to get the support and ideas of local children and residents.
• Applied for funding through Lewisham Homes Community Involvement Competitive Fund, raising £5000 to meet the initial cost of clearing the site, repairing the boundary fence and laying turf.
• Worked with Lewisham Homes to procure Groundwork, securing their support to help raise money for play equipment, a community mural, seating and bird boxes.
• Gained the support of local councillors.

Christina Evweirhoma, the Lewisham Community Involvement Officer who assisted Sachen offers her congratulations, saying “We are very proud of what Sachen has achieved and are impressed with his motivation, dedication and commitment to improving his community. We would like to congratulate him on his awards night success.”

Sachen is still hard at work in the development of the playground, seeking further funding to purchase play equipment, barrier fencing and create a mural. The playground will be open to the public on 26 June, and an event will be held to mark the occasion.