OBE for local charity chief

Sue PettigrewA leading local charity worker, Sue Pettigrew, was awarded an OBE for services to children and families in the New Year Honours.

She is chair of Lambeth’s Voluntary and Community Services Forum, a member of Lambeth’s Children and Families Strategic Partnership and a board member of Lambeth Early Action Partnership.

She has been director of St Michael’s Fellowship in Streatham since 1988. The charity works with disadvantaged families in south London to improve their lives and futures and those of their children.

Last year the charity helped 76 pregnant teenagers, 103 young mothers and 56 young fathers in the local area.

Sue ran St Michael’s first residential house for teenage mothers for 13 years before her appointment. Since then, she has steered St Michael’s to become one of the most successful charities in its field, whose work with disadvantaged families achieves national recognition.

She said: “This award is a reflection of the worth and work of St Michael’s Fellowship, which was founded over 100 years ago, and, in a very different world, continues with success and distinction to help parents and children in distress.

“I work every day with the most dedicated staff and parents who strive to care for their child in the most complex and adverse circumstances. I am pleased to accept this honour on their behalf.”