Tower Hamlets ‘local hero’ awarded BEM

Leila Lawal from Aberfeldy was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for her tireless work for the community in Tower Hamlets.

Leila Lawal has devoted her life to empowering people in the communities she lives and works in. As former chair of Aberfeldy Big Local in London’s Tower Hamlets, she helped to turn a rundown street into a thriving hub for the community.

Leila was instrumental in the creation of the ‘Tommy Flowers’, a popular pop-up community space for part of the week and a pub for the rest, which opened in 2018 thanks to Big Local’s support. This has led to the creation of a gym and, more importantly, momentum that has brought new business and training to the area.

Leila thoroughly deserves this award and should be rightly proud of the difference she has made to her local community. By creating vibrant, authentic and welcoming places for people to meet and mix, she has helped local people to build new relationships and develop a sense of belonging. Big Local under Leila’s leadership has increased the power of Aberfeldy residents to influence the changes taking place in their area.”

Rachel Rowney, Local Trust CEO

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lelia worked tirelessly to alleviate the panic felt by the people in her area. She led the charge for vaccine management as part of the Tower Hamlets Covid response team, working 12-14 hours each day, seven days a week for 18 months, even at cost to her own health and while caring for elderly relatives.

While working a full-time job as a Community Impact Manager for MENCAP, she has sought to empower people with learning disabilities in a series of community-led projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Commenting on her award, Leila said:

“Leading Aberfeldy Big Local has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. What began as a vision to transform a “forgotten” corner of East London has grown into something truly special – a community that’s resourceful, resilient, and deeply connected. Here’s to keeping the momentum going in Aberfeldy and in every place where people come together to build something better.”

Read more about the difference Leila has been making, and find more information about her work at Aberfeldy Big Local here.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact press@localtrust.org.uk.