Wandsworth mayor backs three local charities: munisha.co.uk

By Munisha editorial desk

Wandsworth has elected Southfields councillor Emmeline Owens as its new mayor, with three borough charities named as the focus of her fundraising during the mayoral year.

Wandsworth Council confirmed the appointment after its annual general meeting in May 2026, where councillors also confirmed the members of the new Cabinet. Owens said her mayoral fundraising will support work with families, mental health and youth crime prevention.

Three charities named for mayoral fundraising

The charities selected by the Mayor are Wandsworth Home Start, Sound Minds and Battersea Crime Prevention Panel.

Wandsworth Home Start provides support for parents in the borough. Sound Minds uses art and creative activities to support people experiencing mental health issues. Battersea Crime Prevention Panel works with young people to reduce the risk of them becoming involved in crime, reflecting the kind of community contribution recognised through Wandsworth’s local hero nominations.

Owens said she wanted to highlight local services that often operate close to families and neighbourhoods rather than in the public spotlight.

“I am passionate about celebrating the quiet services that sustain communities across Wandsworth, especially support for children and young people,” she said. “These charities all do wonderful work in our borough and I’m proud to have the opportunity to support them.”

Emmeline Owens and the borough role

Owens represents Southfields and has lived in Wandsworth for 20 years, where she is also raising a family. Her professional background is in business and finance.

She has also been involved in local education, including serving for a decade as chair of governors at a Wandsworth state school.

The mayoral role is a civic position, with duties that include representing the borough at community events and supporting charitable activity during the mayoral year.

Kirsten Botting confirmed as Deputy Mayor

Councillor Kirsten Botting, who represents Trinity Ward, has been confirmed as Deputy Mayor.

Botting has lived in the borough for more than 35 years. Her local roles include chairing the Tooting Bec Safer Neighbourhood Team and Neighbourhood Watch Panel, serving on the Tooting Commons Management Advisory Committee, working as a tree warden and volunteering with the Friends of Tooting and Wandsworth Commons.

Source: Wandsworth Borough Council

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Source check Source trail

This report was prepared from Wandsworth Council's May 2026 announcement and checked for names, roles and charity details.

Checks

• Confirmed Emmeline Owens was named as the new Mayor of Wandsworth.
• Matched the three mayoral charities to the source announcement.
• Checked Kirsten Botting's Deputy Mayor role and ward reference.
• Kept the geographic scope to Wandsworth rather than the publisher name.

Wandsworth Borough Council Check wider coverage

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Wandsworth Borough Council

Scope

Wandsworth

Updated

2026-06-01 12:03

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Article contextPeople & topics2#7

Emmeline OwensKirsten Botting

#Battersea Crime Prevention Panel#Emmeline Owens#Kirsten Botting#Sound Minds#Wandsworth Council#Wandsworth Home Start#Wandsworth Mayor

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