The recently elected Young Mayor, Jessica Soares Paim,  is supporting domestic violence charity Refuge during her term representing the young people of Barking and Dagenham.     

The members of the Youth Forum voted unanimously on who they would support and raise money for throughout the year, with several options available. The Young Mayor and her sub-group thought it right to support Refuge due to concerns that cases of domestic abuse could be on the rise because of the current lockdown situation.     

Announcing that she will be supporting Refuge, the Young Mayor said: “I am proud that I have chosen Refuge domestic violence charity to support during my 2020 term.      

“I’m glad that, despite the current limitations, we shall still be able to generate community spirit and raise awareness of domestic abuse in our borough by working with Refuge. Domestic abuse affects many residents, so I am incredibly satisfied to be supporting the charity and its work during this pandemic.”   

Miss Soares Paim has already held a virtual call with a representative from Refuge and discussed how she can support them throughout her term as Young Mayor as well as sharing creative ideas on how they can raise money.      

The Young Mayor and the sub-group will attempt to start raising money during the lockdown.  This week they will be having a virtual meeting to come up with ideas about how to achieve this.      

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “I think Refuge is the perfect charity for the Young Mayor and her sub-group to support over the next year, given the challenges we currently face.   

As a council, we’re fully committed to reducing the occurrence of domestic violence in the borough and we recently launched the Barking and Dagenham Domestic Abuse Commission.    

“I wish Jessica and her team every good wish over the next year and I look forward to seeing the creative fundraising events Jessica puts on throughout her term.”