Supporting vulnerable women remains a key priority

Since I became mayor in May, it’s been busy!

I’ve particularly enjoyed attending our community festivals.

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month at Camden Mela was a real highlight – a day filled with music and delicious food.

A true celebration of our diverse communities.

I’ve also enjoyed working with our schools and young people.

I joined Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children to celebrate their 75th anniversary, presenting the Mayor’s Outstanding Award at Camden’s Young Athletes Celebration.

I visited Camden Schools Art Biennale - showcasing Camden’s young people at Central St Martins Lethaby Gallery - and enjoyed an evening of jazz with young musicians from Camden schools, supported by Camden Music Trust.

Throughout my Mayoral year I’ll be making visits across the borough, so come and say hello if you see me around Hampstead and Highgate!

The mayor of Camden Cllr Tricia Leman will be holding fundraisers for her charity of choice throughout the year (Image: Camden Council)

The other aspect of my role is fundraising for my chosen charity Women at the Well, a King’s Cross-based charity providing practical support and advocacy for women, often homeless, who have been affected by, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation.

This charity is close to my heart, as I have always been a strong advocate for women experiencing abuse or violence.

I am a member of Camden’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Board and helped develop Camden’s first Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

Women at the Well provide food, hot showers, laundry, clean clothes and a safe space to any woman who needs it.

They also offer one-to-one support and advocacy to women who are ready for that journey.

I recently toured their centre and was so impressed – not just with the material support, but by the professionalism and kindness of all their staff.

They are there to listen without judgement, driven by a common purpose of supporting women, helping them to make choices to be safe and protect their rights.

They are strong campaigners and I am helping them raise awareness of their work.

I will be holding fundraisers throughout the year, so please support if you can and find out more about the marvellous work of Women at the Well.

Please consider giving a donation, anything you give will help support women affected by or at risk of sexual exploitation.

Thank you for your support.

Donate: justgiving.com/campaign/mayor-of-camden-cllr-patricia-leman or to find out more about Women at the Well, go to: watw.org.uk

• Cllr Tricia Leman is the mayor of Camden.