June is the Month of Community, a fitting time to celebrate the people and partnerships that support residents to live happy and fulfilling lives.

We know Kingston is stronger when we work together, and empowering people and strengthening our communities are key focuses for the council. Across our neighbourhoods we see daily examples of the inspiring work and contributions of local people and groups who make a real difference to others’ lives.

From food champions and fundraisers to residents associations and friends of our parks and public spaces, we are surrounded by people committed to making life better for our communities. Nowhere was the power of volunteering more clearly demonstrated than in the local response to both the Covid pandemic and the current Cost of Living crisis and I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all those who give up their time in this way.

Working with Groundworks London, we deliver the Volunteering Kingston project - volunteeringkingston.org.uk - which has built strong and lasting partnerships with local groups across the borough since it started in 2018. You can find out more volunteering opportunities across the borough on our website at kingston.gov.uk/volunteering.

Alongside volunteers, carers of all ages play a huge - and often unsung - role in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents. As part of Carers Week (5 - 11 June) we spotlighted the launch of our new All Ages Carers Strategy. It paints a picture of what life is like for unpaid carers, highlighting some of the challenges and looking at how we can work together to better support them. I want to pay tribute to all our carers, young and older, for their hard work in our communities as we continue our renewed commitment to supporting them.

The welcoming and inclusive nature of our communities is one of the things that makes me most proud. At the end of last year we announced our intention to become a City of Sanctuary, signalling our continued commitment to welcoming those fleeing persecution and ensuring they can play a full part in our community. The incredible response to the situation in Ukraine which saw more than 220 local families offer their homes to those arriving from the country epitomises this.

The council has been working in close partnership with our local voluntary sector to deliver the support and services those arriving need. Earlier this month I visited our partner Refugee Action Kingston. I was inspired to hear about their work across so many areas, such as their community kitchen and the work they do to support refugees in our borough.

It is our role as a council to provide the support, community connections and services to ensure everyone can live happy, prosperous and fulfilling lives. But we can’t do it alone. Our strong and deepening relationships with our wonderfully diverse communities and partners will enable us to deliver a greener, fairer, safer borough for all.