Floella Benjamin Receives Life Peerage

Long term NSPCC supporter and member of NSPCC Hall of Fame Floella Benjamin was made a Life Peer in the Dissolution Honours List in May 2010. Baroness Benjamin as she is now called will be one of the Liberal Democrat working peers in the House of Lords.

The honour adds to the former TV Presenter and programme maker’s many list of achievements: children’s champion and supporter of NSPCC, Action for Children and Barnardos; 2012 Ambassador, Chancellor of Exeter University to name a few. Her consistent and outstanding support for the work of the NSPCC saw her become a member of the NSPCC’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Her most recent work for us Floella used her influence to open doors for one of our young campaigners, Paul Ntulila. This has resulted in Paul becoming the youth representative on the Olympic 2012 Diversity Board as well as spending a day work shadowing one of the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates during the lead up to the General Election. Paul’s dream is to be the UK’s first deaf black Prime Minister and thanks to Floella and his own determination, he may be well on the way.

 Paul had this to say about Floella:
"I really want to thank Floella for organising my first real live experience in a political party. Everything I learnt from that day I will value greatly for my future in politics (I hope!). But most of all I will always remember her kindness and what she has done for me."

Paul illustrates all that Floella believes about the young generation. Floella has said in the past that "I believe childhood lasts a lifetime, so I support the NSPCC and the important work it undertakes for the well being of children and their families, helping to build a strong foundation for the future.”