Lee Parish in Southwark Archdiocese achieves Livesimply Award

Lee's award presentation

Last Sunday, Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Lee was visited by Bishop Patrick Lynch, auxiliary in Southwark, and a representative from aid agency CAFOD for a special service and shared lunch to celebrate receiving the award, which recognises the parish's commitment to live more more simply, in solidarity with people in poverty, and sustainably with creation. Bishop Lynch presented it to livesimply group representatives Kathy Salmon and Mike Conway.

The parish has promoted Fairtrade and ethical shopping, reduced its carbon footprint after auditing its energy use, saved resources by recycling and installing a water butt and has continued in its commitment to address local needs, through support for Lee Oasis and the local foodbank.

Jillie Smithies, organiser of the parish's livesimply group said:

"We have been a long time on this journey. We are proud to have got to this point and achieved the award. But this doesn't mark the end, it's just one step along the road. There are so many other things we want to do."

There are now over 20 parishes across England and Wales who have been awarded livesimply status. To gain the award, the parish had to create a plan based on current activities and new projects they would like to undertake to demonstrate how they had made changes to live more sustainably. They are now hoping that their example will inspire others across the country to also take up a more simple way of living.

CAFOD representative Sarah Hagger-Holt said:

"I am so pleased that Lee have put so many good practices in place so that they can be awarded the livesimply award. By coming together as a community and implementing changes in their everyday lives, they are going to make a difference not just locally but also nationally by inspiring others to follow their lead."

If you would like to know how you can become a livesimply parish or school, please visit: www.cafod.org.uk/livesimply