I am delighted to support Urban Synergy and the outstanding work you are doing to help young people in Lewisham gain the knowledge, skills and experience to achieve their full potential. You should be proud of the tremendous impact you have had on so many young people, who have been provided with the opportunity to flourish in ways they may never have thought possible. We want to make this a country that works for everyone, regardless of their background, and Urban Synergy is playing its part in making that happen.

Ensuring that the next generation want the jobs of the future, and believe they can get them, is equally important…. mentoring schemes, such as those run by Urban Synergy in my constituency, may also have some of the answers. By providing accessible role models and giving an insight into different careers, they fire the imagination of the next generation

Motivating young people with mentoring, work experience and life skills training is a fantastic way to raise their aspirations and keep them focused on achieving their dreams. The work Leila has done in this area is inspiring young people in South East London. She thoroughly deserves this Point of Light award.

I’m delighted to offer my warmest congratulations to Leila not simply for achieving this award, but for the inspirational work that she has undertaken to deserve this well-merited recognition….. Not only is she truly worthy of this award but also the huge thanks of the wider community and the young people whose prospects she has changed for the better.