Urban Synergy, an award-winning charity focused on empowering young people from under-represented communities, has been chosen as the official charity of Lewisham for 2024/25. The charity will have the honor of representing the borough in London’s prestigious New Year’s Day Parade with their float titled “A Brighter Tomorrow: Powered by Youth and Innovation.”
The float, designed in collaboration with Goldsmiths University, Lewisham Youth Theatre, and local artists from Lewisham Arthouse, will showcase the talents, creativity, and resilience of Lewisham’s youth. It will also highlight Urban Synergy’s mission to prepare young people for the careers of the future, particularly in fields driven by education, technology, and innovation.
Leila Thomas, CEO and Founder of Urban Synergy, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to represent Lewisham on such a prominent platform. She stated, “So often we hear about the cost of living crisis, food banks, and crime. We’ll be kickstarting 2025 by celebrating young people in urban areas and their mentors, role models, and our corporate supporters who are creating safer, happier communities.”
Brenda Dacres, The Mayor of Lewisham, also shared her pride in supporting Urban Synergy as the borough’s chosen charity. She commended the organization for its work in transforming the lives of over 30,000 young people aged between nine and 24. She stated, “Urban Synergy inspires, guides, and empowers young minds, connecting them with mentorship, role models, and opportunities that open doors to dreams they might never have imagined.”
Lewisham Young Mayor Bilvilyn Asamoah also expressed her excitement about the parade, stating, “As young Mayor, attending this parade is an opportunity to connect with our community and showcase our vibrant culture. I represent the voices of our young and I’m excited to highlight the importance of unity as we step into a new year together.”
Victoria Shaskan, CEO of Lewisham Youth Theatre, added, “Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) uses creativity to widen young people’s horizons, build their ambitions, and help them make ‘an amazing transformation.’ That’s why we’re thrilled to join Urban Synergy to represent the potential of Lewisham’s young people in the London New Year’s Day Parade.”
Councillor Jacq Paschoud, Speaker of Lewisham Council, also praised the collaboration between Urban Synergy and the community, stating, “This highlights the talent of our young people and the community’s commitment to celebrating it, while also raising the profile of Urban Synergy, this year’s Mayor’s Charity, to audiences in London and beyond.”
The float’s design and construction were made possible by the artists of Goldsmith University and the generous donation of a lorry by SQS Limited. Leila Thomas expressed her gratitude for SQS’s continued support, stating, “SQS are a consistently generous supporter of our charity, and we appreciate everything they do for us, from giving young people work experience to being part of our events and a key sponsor throughout the year. Their commitment to diversity and social mobility are inspiring.”
Urban Synergy’s participation in the New Year’s Day Parade is a powerful testament to the vibrant community spirit and the commitment of Lewisham in nurturing young talent. The event will take place on January 1st, 2025, in Central London. For more information, visit www.urbansynergy.com.
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.