I can see a greener, more equitable future on the horizon.

Full statement

With my work in grassroots circular economy projects, and with the huge positive impact that volunteering at a local community orchard has had on my life, I feel so much hope for what green, sustainable policies can do to improve people's lives.

Originally from North East England, I have lived in Mitcham (Graveney Ward) since 2018. I’m very proud to call this friendly and diverse community my home. London can be isolating for those of us who moved here from elsewhere, but being involved in grassroots environmental projects in Mitcham allowed me to connect with neighbours. Together we make our neighbourhoods greener, more welcoming, and supportive.

I feel very strongly that standing up against environmental harms and standing up against the harms of discrimination and other social injustices are part of the same fight. I have worked in the charity sector for over 10 years, and in both my professional and personal life I have advocated for positive change for people and the planet through evidence-based advocacy, policy development, communications, campaigns, and community organising. This has included working with local councils across England to implement safe access zones outside abortion clinics to prevent the harassment of patients accessing care.

I am a regular volunteer at Mitcham Community Orchard, having gained a qualification in community orchard management. I share my passion for ecological gardening with others, delivering community workshops on orchard care. Our beautiful community orchard has been awarded Level 5 (Outstanding) two years in a row at the RHS London in Bloom awards' "It's Your Neighbourhood" category.

I have also worked for local charity Sustainable Merton, managing their waste reduction and circular economy project to offer free community repair and upcycling events across Mitcham alongside a team of skilled volunteers. I hope to be a strong voice for our volunteering community who give so much to our area.

The environmental and social damage caused by illegal fly tipping and littering in Mitcham is an ongoing blight on our neighbourhood, which has driven me to litter pick my local area for many years. I believe reducing pollution caused by littering is a huge part of community care, and something we can all engage in.

I was part of the voluntary Climate Emergency Working Group assisting Merton Council to develop their Climate Action Plan and Strategy in 2019, but I fear the momentum on climate action has waned. It is time to make the changes that will benefit our communities and our environment.