28th April 2025
The Black Prince Trust’s (BPT) very own Beverley de Valmency, a driving force behind its Health & Wellbeing initiatives, was recently honoured with the Thriving Communities Award at the Lambeth Civic Awards for outstanding contribution to Health and Wellbeing.
Beverley, who leads BPT’s Health and Wellbeing programmes, was honoured for her tireless work in delivering and growing our Health and Wellbeing projects, including the Seniors programme, the Community Living Room, and our extensive food programme in partnership with The Felix Project and Surrey Cricket. These initiatives provide people in our community with free and low-cost access to exercise, movement, and regular social engagement in a supportive and inclusive environment and in particular help to break down the barriers for people aged 55 and over to engage with physical activity.
Aimed at tackling both physical inactivity and social isolation, these programmes saw impressive engagement last year. Across our Health & Wellbeing programmes BPT engaged 366 adults across 5,729 session attendances, engaging in nearly 5,000 cumulative hours of coaching and activity tailored specifically for older adults. With 9 in every 10 participants over 55 years old; 8 in ten female; and 7 in 10 from diverse ethnic communities, programmes are reaching people who traditionally face barriers in engaging in physical activity.
Award winner Bev said “I’m honoured to have received my Lambeth Civic Award. Building connected communities is about including everyone, it’s about the energy, kindness, and resilience of our local residents. I’ve been lucky to work alongside so many inspiring colleagues and Lambeth changemakers who care deeply about making our community stronger, more inclusive, and ensuring no one is left behind. This award means a lot, and I’m proud to share it with everyone who’s been part of the journey so far.”
BPT’s Health & Wellbeing Programmes don’t just get people moving—they build community. Attendees not only benefit from daily, high-quality coaching and physical activity, but also connect over post-session socials in BPT’s community café, forging friendships that reduce the risk of loneliness.
“Bev has been instrumental in every stage of our health and wellbeing delivery,” said BPT CEO Richard Joyce. “Her passion and leadership on these programmes has been central to building partnerships and securing essential funding to reach even more residents. From advocating for older adults’ inclusion to personally engaging with participants each week, Bev brings both heart and strategic vision to everything she does. This Civic Award is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and impact.”
BPT and Lambeth will continue to work in partnership in a joint effort to promote healthier, more connected communities, and BPT are delighted that Bev’s work stands out as a model of grassroots impact and inclusive public health. To find out more about our Health & Wellbeing Programmes and how you can get involved, head to: Free Activity Timetable | Black Prince Trust
