Making a difference

Published by Judi Samuels for Ascham Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Florence Bedwell, 77 years, is a local hero, a humble joyful soul, full of energy and a dedicated member of her local community. A brave woman who took matters into her own hands when local youths were causing antisocial behaviour on her estate. Twenty-five young Asian males attending the nearby mosque on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton were congregating on the estate to smoke, drink and make noise nuisance.

Brave Florence approached the youths many times on behalf of her elderly neighbours because they felt too afraid to approach them directly. On one occasion, late at night Florence told them to move off the estate, refusing to be intimidated on her home patch of 45 years. After reporting the youths to the Mosque’s Project & Programme Leader, Hanif Qadir, Florence suggested that the youths needed activities to keep them off the estate. As a result of her appeal, the Mosque have provided free membership to their Gym and happily Florence reports that peace has returned to her estate.

Florence chairs the local council tenants area forum, is the chair of the Friends of Lea Bridge Library Gardens and a member of the local policing panel. She is always helping her neighbours, both at her local church and in the wider community - whether its cleaning up the gardens, making tea for fundraisers or simply looking after others.

In recognition of Florence’s dedication to her community she was nominated by Councillor Stella Creasy for the Social Landlords Crime & Nuisance Group award, which recognised local heroes in each of the five Olympic host boroughs with a flower bed designed in their honour.
 

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Contact:

Judi Samuels, Communications Co-ordinator
Ascham Homes Ltd
Willow House
869 Forest Road
Walthamstow
London
E17 4UH
Telephone: 020 8496 4576