One of Rotherhithe Mutual Aid’s founders has received a Jack Petchey Award for their fantastic work supporting SE16 during lockdown.
Twenty-three-year-old Ellie Gratton helped set up the group that now organises more than 200 volunteers to help the most vulnerable and self-isolating.
Ellie’s role involves matching volunteers to requests and helping train people up who want to lend a hand.
Hanna Phillips, who nominated Ellie for the award, said: “Without Ellie it wouldn’t have been possible to match over 80 requests for support – including food deliveries, food parcels, prescription pick-ups, befriending calls and walking dogs – with teams of neighbours across Rotherhithe.
“Thanks to Ellie’s organisation and dedication, many of these matches are now long-term, ensuring the continuity of support and a community network that hadn’t previously existed.”
On receiving her award Ellie, who was given a letter from Sir Jack and £50, said: “It’s amazing to get this award, and I hope that it highlights the brilliant community work that Rotherhithe Mutual Aid Group and all the Mutual Aid Groups around the country are doing at the moment.
“My contribution to the community has been made possible by the behind the scenes and on the ground work of countless others in the community, and I feel very lucky to be part of this group.
“In these rapidly changing times, the unity and solidarity displayed by communities gives me a lot of hope and strength to continue working towards a more equal future.”
You can nominate your own local hero here: www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk/opportunities/jack-petcheys-community-nominations/