Bernadette Lappage

Bernadette Lappage served as local councillor at the London Borough of Enfield from 1998 to 2002 and again from 2010 to 2021.

Bernadette has a deep rooted passion for the welfare of the community and served as Cabinet Member for Children’s and Adult Services (1999-2002), responsible for supporting and safeguarding the children and adults that needed care in our community. During that time she served as Lead Member for Health and Social Care (2000-2002) for the Association of London Government, coordinating policy and services across London.

Bernadette was able to engage in her deep concern for children in care becoming a Fostering panel member between October 2014 and April 2019, during which time as part of a team I took part in recommending the appointment of foster carers and assisted in their regular reviews. She served as a member of the Corporate Parenting Group from September 2015 until March 2018, supporting the Borough’s looked-after children taking an active part in ensuring the welfare of our young people, their safeguarding, leaving care and attending events that celebrated their successes.

In May 2016 Bernadette became the Mayor of Enfield engaging with community groups across the borough, delivering on her agenda of inclusivity, delivering Citizenship ceremonies and chairing Full Council. The theme for her year was “Enfield Sounds Great” supporting the creation of music for the whole community but in particular for those often excluded from the arts. She continued to champion work for Looked After Children during this time funding a Looked After Children Choir with the Young Talent Academy.

As an Ambassador for What To Do Now Bernadette will continue to champion the needs of children in care.