The end of the year marks a time for reflection

This year has been difficult for many across our community with the recent tragic events in our borough, the ongoing cost of living crisis that impacts many of our residents and the many conflicts across the world. 

As we all look back and reflect on the past year, I’m also reminded of all of the amazing groups, organisations and individuals I’ve been lucky enough to meet in my role as Leader of the Council. It makes me proud to be part of our wonderful diverse borough. 

From welcoming new communities to our borough, to hearing from scientists and clinicians working on ground-breaking research at the London Cancer Hub in Belmont, to meeting residents of all ages, it is always good to find out about people’s experiences of living and working here in Sutton.

In recent weeks I have attended a number of Christmas celebrations in the community. I had lots of fun at the PlayWise Christmas Grotto last Friday where 250 children and their families visited their magical grotto over the course of the week. PlayWise is an organisation that receives funding from the Council to provide support to families of children with disabilities who live in Sutton. I also want to say a big thank you to Azlaan Adeel (Age 6) from Playwise who designed my fantastic Christmas card this year!

Earlier in the month, I was invited to the Sutton Volunteer Police Cadets Annual Review and Awards evening where over 100 young police cadets were presented with awards and prizes. I heard that we have one of the largest police cadet units in London with over 200 young people who give up their free time to play an important part in their local community. We heard inspiring stories of kindness and thoughtfulness and it reminded us all how many young people are growing up in our borough who want to make the world a better place and are prepared to work hard to make it happen.

As we approach the end of 2023, I want to thank all our communities in Sutton, our businesses, schools, police and fire services, health and social care staff, council staff, and all the voluntary, community and faith groups for your continued support and wonderful contribution to making Sutton such a great place to live, work and visit.

I wish you all a restful break and a happy new year for 2024.

Councillor Ruth Dombey
Leader of the Council